gnocchi

First described by Boccaccio in his Decamerone, gnocchi are considered the first type of pasta ever made: a mixture of flour and water (the flour from wheat, millet, farro) shaped into round dumplings that were then cooked in boiling water.

The best-known version, made with potatoes, is fairly recent in historical terms, since potatoes did not become common in Italy until the 1800s. Gnocchi made with other main ingredients are common, like the small Sardinian malloreddus, made with semolina flour, knödel, made with stale bread (a day or two old), and gnocchi di ricotta¹.

The strange-sounding word gnocchi traces its origin to the Latin term nucleus, from which nocchio, meaning gnarl, derived. In the dialect of the region around Venice nocchio became gnoco and from there it was an easy transition to gnocco and its plural gnocchi.

Potato gnocchi take time to make, but the result is well worth the effort. My recipe (derived by my mother's) is described here.

¹ In this post I talk about a version of this dish.

Hear me pronounce the words on the gnocchi audio file [mp3] or go to the gnocchi audio page for more listening options.

Comments

[jann]

Gnocchi~ I love this ! Took me a long time to learn how to say this word! Your recipe looked absolutely delicious-would enjoy eating some of your mothers homemade version!

[Simona]

I know, it is a tricky word to pronounce. My husband loves to teach people to do it. I am aware that potato gnocchi are sold in packages, but I have never tried them. Freshly-made gnocchi are a delicious reward for the time investment you need to make to prepare them.

[Paz]

I've always wanted to make gnocchi. I have a nice recipe saved. I'm also saving your mother's recipe, as well. Thanks!

Paz

[Burcu]

Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog so that I could find yours. I loved your blog! I'll put it on mine. I was looking for a gnocchi recipe, now I found one. Thank you!

[Simona]

Thanks for visiting! I am in the process of adding audio to all my posts so visitors will know how words and expressions are pronounced, including tricky gnocchi.

[burcu]

finally, I'll be able to say "gnocchi" without hesitation :)