Gnocchi di Spinaci: A Step-by-Step Recipe Guide

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Gnocchi di Spinaci

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Equipment Needed
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Fork or potato masher
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Baking sheet
• Non-stick skillet

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients
• 1 pound fresh spinach or 10 oz frozen spinach
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg optional, for flavor

Instructions

 

• Method
• Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
• If using fresh spinach: Rinse and trim the leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and cool under cold water, then squeeze out excess moisture.
• If using frozen spinach: Thaw and drain it thoroughly.
• Step 2: Make the Dough
• Chop the prepared spinach finely and place it in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Mix until well combined.
• Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
• Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
• Dust a clean surface with flour. Divide the dough into four portions.
• Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick.
• Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
• Optional: Use a fork to gently press each piece to create ridges. This helps the sauce adhere better.
• Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
• Carefully add the gnocchi in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, usually in about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet.
• Step 5: Serve
• You can serve the gnocchi with a simple sauce, like browned butter and sage, or marinara sauce. Heat your chosen sauce in a non-stick skillet and add the cooked gnocchi, tossing gently to coat.
• Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
• Variations
• Sauce Alternatives: Try different sauces such as pesto, Alfredo, or a creamy mushroom sauce for variation.
• Add-ins: Mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to infuse more flavor into the gnocchi.

Keyword Gnocchi, Gnocchi di Spinaci

Gnocchi di Spinaci, or spinach gnocchi, is a delightful Italian dish that combines the traditional soft dumplings with the vibrant flavor of spinach. This dish not only brings comfort to the table but also packs a nutritious punch, making it perfect for a family meal or a special occasion. From my own personal experience, making gnocchi can seem a bit intimidating at first, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes a rewarding and enjoyable process. Let me show you how I make this classic dish that will impress your family and friends.

Notes on What to Expect

When making Gnocchi di Spinaci, expect a soft, tender texture that melts in your mouth. The spinach adds a lovely color and flavor, making this dish both nutritious and delicious.

Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Time to Stand: 30 minutes (for the dough to rest)
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Ease of Cooking: Moderate
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 280 kcal
• Cost of Ingredients: $8–$12 (depending on local prices)
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main or Side Dish
• Equipment Needed:
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Baking sheet
  • Non-stick skillet
  • > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Gnocchi di Spinaci  now.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen spinach)
• 1 pound ricotta cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Nutmeg (optional, for flavor)
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Gnocchi di Spinaci  now.

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

1. If using fresh spinach: Rinse and trim the leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the spinach, and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Drain and cool under cold water, then squeeze out excess moisture.
2. If using frozen spinach: Thaw and drain it thoroughly.

Step 2: Make the Dough

1. Chop the prepared spinach finely and place it in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if desired. Mix until well combined.
4. Gradually add the flour, mixing until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

1. Dust a clean surface with flour. Divide the dough into four portions.
2. Roll each portion into a long rope about ½ inch thick.
3. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
4. Optional: Use a fork to gently press each piece to create ridges. This helps the sauce adhere better.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
2. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches. They are done when they float to the surface, usually in about 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove them with a slotted spoon and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 5: Serve

1. You can serve the gnocchi with a simple sauce, like browned butter and sage, or marinara sauce. Heat your chosen sauce in a non-stick skillet and add the cooked gnocchi, tossing gently to coat.
2. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

Variations

• Sauce Alternatives: Try different sauces such as pesto, Alfredo, or a creamy mushroom sauce for variation.
• Add-ins: Mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrition.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil or oregano to infuse more flavor into the gnocchi.

Tips

• Flour Amount: The amount of flour needed can vary based on the moisture content of your spinach and ricotta. Add flour gradually until the dough is manageable.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. Just cook them straight from the freezer; they may take a minute longer to float.

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount based on the blend used.
• Dairy-Free: Use tofu or a dairy-free ricotta substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory  #Gnocchi di Spinaci  now.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g

I hope this guide has made making Gnocchi di Spinaci seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment!