Gnocchi is the Italian word for dumplings. They can be made from just about anything: potatoes, flour, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, spinach or semolina, I’ve even heard of a chocolate gnocchi recipe. Although the dish is Italian, the word derives from a Germanic word for knot, as in a wood knot, probably due to the short, squat shape of gnocchi.
Some interesting gnocchi facts: Throughout Tuscany, Italy spinach and ricotta gnocchi is called strozzapreti, which translates to ‘priest-stranglers’. Apparently, a priest chocked to death after eating too quickly because the dish was so wonderful, which is good and at the same time bad for the chef.
In Argentina gnocchi, known as noquis, is traditionally eaten on the 29th day of each month. This was the traditional day before payday when people were at their poorest, gnocchi makes for a cheap & hearty meal. I must want to be poor, ’cause I love the stuff.
Making gnocchi requires a little time & a lot of patience, it is a wonderful Saturday afternoon recipe adventure. Look out for the ‘The Food Network Super Special Spinach Ricotta Gnocchi Recipe’ coming soon.