Italian cuisine is a treasure chest full of culinary surprises. We are sure you already know and love pasta, lasagna, and risotto. But there are many other Italian delicacies waiting to be discovered. Take, gnocchi, for example: a delicious dish with an interesting story to tell.
What Are Gnocchi?
First off, if you are wondering how to pronounce “gnocchi”, watch this video to hear an Italian chef pronouncing the word.
Now, with that out of the way, let’s take a look at a basic definition of gnocchi. Gnocchi are cylindric (or ovoid) dumplings made of flour and boiled potatoes and served bathed in sauce or melted butter.
Linguists believe that the word “gnocchi” comes from the Venetian word “gnòco”, which in turn means “knot” (of the type you find in wood).
Gnocchi are widely consumed all over Italy, but are particularly popular in Venice, Piedmont, and Rome.
As is often the case with popular dishes, gnocchi are part of many popular sayings. For example, Italians often associate gnocchi with the expression “giovedì gnocchi” (gnocchi Thursday). This is a relic of a custom observed in the Lazio region after WWII. It consisted in eating gnocchi on Thursdays, Fish on Fridays, and tripe on Saturdays, a menu designed to make the most of the scarce resources available after the war.
According to another saying, “Those who eat gnocchi on San Michele’s day (September 29) will have money all year long.”
So, if you haven’t tried gnocchi, what are you waiting for? Regardless of whether the saying is true or not, the unique flavor os gnocchi is a delight that opens a window into unexplored horizons of Italian cuisine.
Get More Interesting Food Facts!
At Chef Gourmet, we know good food, and we love sharing that knowledge with you. If we have whetted your appetite for interesting food facts, here are some previous posts you may find interesting:
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