Gnocchetti Verdi: A Delightful Italian Dish for Every Table
Gnocchetti verdi, or green gnocchetti, are a vibrant and flavorful variation of traditional gnocchi, made with spinach and potatoes. These delightful little dumplings are soft, tender, and perfect as a comforting first course in any meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simple yet rich ingredients, combining the earthy taste of spinach with the light, fluffy texture of potatoes.
Ideal for 4 servings, this recipe will guide you through the steps to create this delicious dish from scratch, bringing the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 700g |
| Spinach | 400g |
| All-purpose flour | 100g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 300 |
| Carbohydrates | 58g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Spinach
Begin by preparing the spinach. Wash the spinach thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Once cleaned, place the spinach in a large pot with just a small amount of salted water. Cook the spinach over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts and softens. This should only take a few minutes.
After the spinach has cooked, drain the water, and let the spinach cool slightly. Once it has cooled enough to handle, use your hands or a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any excess water. You want to reduce the spinach’s weight by about half, leaving you with roughly 200 grams of well-drained spinach. Finally, chop the spinach finely with a sharp knife and set it aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Potatoes
Next, it’s time to cook the potatoes. Choose potatoes that are roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Leave the skins on and place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, salted water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for 30 to 40 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork.
Once the potatoes are cooked, drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool slightly. When they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins. Using a potato masher or a potato ricer, mash the potatoes until smooth. Spread the mashed potatoes out on a lightly floured surface to cool down further.
Step 3: Making the Dough
Once the potatoes have cooled, add the chopped spinach to the mashed potatoes. Carefully mix them together, ensuring the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the potatoes. Taste the mixture and, if necessary, adjust the salt to your liking. Since the ingredients are already salted, it’s important to check the seasoning before proceeding.
Now, gradually add the all-purpose flour to the mixture. Start with a small amount and continue to mix, adding more flour as needed. The goal is to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Knead the dough gently, being careful not to overwork it, as that can result in tough gnocchetti. The dough should be smooth and slightly firm to the touch.
Step 4: Shaping the Gnocchi
Once your dough is ready, divide it into smaller portions. Roll each portion into long logs, about 2 to 3 centimeters thick. Using a sharp knife or dough scraper, cut the logs into small, bite-sized pieces—these are your gnocchetti. If you have a gnocchi board, you can roll each piece over it to create the traditional ridged shape, but this is optional.
Once all your gnocchetti are shaped, place them on a clean kitchen towel dusted with a little flour to prevent them from sticking.
Step 5: Cooking the Gnocchetti
To cook the gnocchetti, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop the gnocchetti into the boiling water, a few at a time, to prevent them from sticking together. The gnocchetti are ready when they rise to the surface of the water, which should take just a few minutes.
Once they have floated to the top, use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchetti from the water and place them in a colander to drain.
Step 6: Serving
You can serve the gnocchetti immediately, drizzled with your favorite sauce, or simply toss them with some olive oil, butter, and grated Parmesan for a more traditional touch. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sauces, including a rich tomato sauce, a simple garlic and olive oil sauce, or even a delicate cream sauce with fresh herbs.
Conclusion
These homemade gnocchetti verdi are the perfect way to enjoy a comforting, satisfying meal with a fresh, green twist. The process of making gnocchi from scratch may seem intimidating, but with these clear steps, you’ll create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a true labor of love.
Serve them for a cozy family dinner or impress your guests with a dish that highlights the flavors of Italy. No matter how you choose to serve them, these gnocchetti verdi are sure to be a hit at your table.
