Italian Cuisine & Life Updates
Do you know everything about Italian gnocchi? From gnocchi history and authentic recipes to frequently asked questions about cooking, storing, and even pronouncing gnocchi, you'll find it all in this ultimate guide. What is gnocchi? First, if you’re wondering how to pronounce gnocchi, it’s like this: “NYO-kee”. The g+n sounds similar to ñ in Spanish. In Italian, c+h makes a hard ‘k’ sound. The word gnocchi comes from the word “gnocca,” or knuckle, and refers to the small and soft, dumpling-like ball shape of this pasta. Dumpling is a great description for gnocchi. Gnocchi is a popular type of handmade Italian pasta that has a very ancient origin and is prepared in different ways, with different ingredients throughout the country. In the XVI century gnocchi made with potatoes became very popular, after the starchy tubers were imported to Europe by Christopher Columbus. But not all gnocchi is made with potatoes! These pillow-like balls of dough are made from different bases, so the name refers specifically to the shape. Gnocchi can be made with potato, squash, ricotta cheese, other vegetables or just flour. Once formed into a small dumpling, the gnocchi can then be shaped and textured using special tools, or not. Finally, after gnocchi is cooked, it’s usually finished in a sauce or sauté. Join my next online flour gnocchi class, it's free!{{ vc_btn: link=url%3Ahttps%253A%252F%252Fcookingintuscany.cc%252Fgnocchi%252F&title=SIGN+UP+AND+COOK+WITH+ME+ONLINE+LIVE+FROM+TUSCANY%21&style=custom&gradient_color_1=turquoise&gradient_color_2=blue&gradient_custom_color_1=%23dd3333&gradient_custom_color_2=%23eeee22&gradient_text_color=%23ffffff&custom_background=%23910031&custom_text=%23f7f7f7&outline_custom_color=%23666&outline_custom_hover_background=%23666&outline_custom_hover_text=%23fff&shape=square&color=grey&size=md&align=center&i_align=left&i_type=fontawesome&i_icon_fontawesome=fas+fa-adjust&i_icon_openiconic=vc-oi+vc-oi-dial&i_icon_typicons=typcn+typcn-adjust-brightness&i_icon_entypo=entypo-icon+entypo-icon-note&i_icon_linecons=vc_li+vc_li-heart&i_icon_monosocial=vc-mono+vc-mono-fivehundredpx&i_icon_material=vc-material+vc-material-cake&i_icon_pixelicons=vc_pixel_icon+vc_pixel_icon-alert }} This authentic Italian pasta is beloved for its light, pillowy texture that goes perfectly with a variety of sauces and flavor. It’s an incredible comfort food that can easily be made at home; it takes a few minutes to cook and the little pillows will also tell you when they are ready: they float to the surface of your boiling water! What is an Authentic Italian Gnocchi Recipe? When thinking of gnocchi, in Italy...
Continue Reading
Although it's impossible to make a list of the most popular foods in Italy, when you think of Italian cuisine you probably think of pasta, pizza and tomato. Maybe even extra virgin olive oil, which is at the base of many dishes and the Mediterranean diet. And while these are typical things you can find all over Italy (and the world), it’s just the crust of a cuisine rich in history and regional diversity. In this post: What to know about Italian food? Why are ingredients so important to Italians? What are Italy’s famous ingredients? What are Italy's famous dishes? Why is Italy so famous for food? What are 5 interesting facts about Italy? What are the differences in regional cuisine in Italy? What to know about Italian food and Italian cuisine? The first and most important fact to know about Italian food is that it’s delicious. There’s a reason why so many people enjoy this cuisine and why it can be found world wide. But why? Italian food is accessible. This is one of the most understated reasons people love Italian food. Italians have shown that really great tasting food does not have to be overly expensive or complicated.* Italian cuisine is steeped in a tradition of home cooking using and highlighting simple ingredients like extra virgin olive oil and the humble tomato. But Italy also produces specialty ingredients with techniques and traditions dating back centuries. Things like cheesemaking, meat curing, winemaking, and balsamic vinegar go back generations and generations. But whether you use simple or traditional ingredients, the truth remains that for many of Italy’s most famous dishes like pasta and pizza, require a few ingredients and simple preparations. Are there modern and fancy Italian restaurants and recipes, yes! But the majority of Italian cooking is based on...
Continue Reading
