what is gnocchi

Gnocchi are a type of pasta consisting of soft, fat, and chewy dumplings, typically made with a combination of wheat flour, egg, salt, and potato. The word "gnocchi" may be derived from the Italian word "nocchio," meaning a knot in wood, or from "nocca," meaning knuckle. They are commonly paired with ragù, tomato, or butter sauce and are often formed by pressing the dough against a fork or a traditional gnocchi board to create ridges that help the gnocchi adhere to the sauce. Gnocchi can also be made with ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, and herbs, and their texture can vary depending on the moisture content and ingredients used