Traditional Italian **gnocchi di patate** combine cooked potato, wheat flour and egg (sometimes ricotta) rolled into bite-size dumplings. Modern versions include gluten-free, spinach or pumpkin blends.
- **Quick comfort food:** fresh gnocchi boil in 90 sec; shelf-stable cooks in 2–3 min.
- Made from **potatoes—source of potassium & resistant starch** (when cooled, e.g., in salads).
- Texture soaks up sauce, letting you add vegetables & lean protein to balance the dish.
Drawbacks & Precautions
- High refined-carb load; pair with fiber-rich veg or choose whole-wheat variants.
- Contains **gluten & egg** (check label) → allergens for some.
- Packaged gnocchi can be high in salt—look for ≤ 250 mg/100 g.
Culinary Uses
- **Pan-fry** boiled gnocchi in olive oil + garlic for crispy exterior.
- Bake one-pan tray with tomatoes, mozzarella & basil.
- Stir gnocchi into soups (minestrone) for hearty twist.
- Toss cooled gnocchi with pesto & arugula for picnic salad.
Storage Tips
Fresh gnocchi keep **3 days** refrigerated. Freeze on a sheet then bag for **2 months**. Cooked leftovers last 2 days; re-sauté to restore texture.
Sustainability Notes
Potatoes have lower water & CO₂ footprint than rice or wheat pasta. Choosing brands using EU-grown spuds and recyclable packaging trims food-mile emissions.
Key Takeaways
✔︎ Fast-cooking comfort carbs
✔︎ Neutral canvas for veggie-packed sauces
✖︎ Mind the portion (½ cup = 80 g) to keep blood sugar steady.