Your online resource

for all things culinary


HOME Search this Site All Recipes Special Sections Articles &  Resources Kitchenware Information Food & Health Growing Herbs & Veg Directories

Missing an Ingredient ? UKFoodOnline.co.uk

 

History of Gnocchi

 

 

Go to:   How to make Gnocchi  |    Main History Index Page  |  History of World Cuisines
 

The Italian word gnocchi translates to lumps, but it is thought the name may have come from the word nocchio which means a knot in the wood or possibly from nocca which means knuckle. It should be noted that the word gnocchi is plural and refers to several gnocco (singular) however, the singular word is hardly ever used and the word gnocchi is often used in the singular.

 

Origin of Gnocchi

The original recipe is thought to have originated in the Middle East and although no-one can be sure when Italian gnocchi were first made, the earliest written mentions appear in 14th century Italian cookery manuscripts.

 

Gnocchi became a staple dish in Italy and was gradually introduced by the Romans to other countries in Europe during their many conquests and over time, many countries developed their own type of small dumplings from the earliest gnocchi recipes.

 

However, it didn’t stop there. Gnocchi was introduced to South America by Italian immigrants during the early 20th  Century and quickly became integrated into many South American cuisines including in Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela and most notably in Argentina where today the 29th of every month has been designated Dia de Ñoquis (Gnocchi Day). The 29th was chosen because it was usually the last day before pay day so many people had run out of money. Gnocchi was the perfect meal as not only was it  cheap but it was also filling. It is customary to place a coin under the plate whilst eating to encourage prosperity.

 

Similarly, Italian migration to North America saw an increase in Italian restaurants, many of which would have had a favoured gnocchi recipe on the menu.

 

Share this page 

Find UK Holiday Cottages

 

 

 
   Sign up for Free Monthly Newsletter

 

For ease of reference,  below are direct links to main sections on this site

 

Home  |  Search  |  About Us  |  Contact Us  |   Advertise  |    Private Privacy  |   Media Resources  |  Links  |  Sitemap  |  Printing Recipes  |   Abbreviations on this site  

 

Recipes4us is a lifestyle website featuring food related articles and sections on travel, culture, sport, health, gardening,  home, history and reference covering all aspects  of understanding, preparing and cooking food.

We are confident that there is something for everyone and we are constantly adding new recipes, articles and other food and cooking related material. All recipes are published for your convenience and are both suitable and tasty enough to be eaten by anyone without  food  allergies,  as  part of a normal diet.

Soups & Starters    Soups |  Fish  | Other  | Vegetarian

 

Main Courses     Barbecues  &  Picnics  |  Beef  & Veal | Casseroles | Fish and Shellfish   |   Lamb  |  Offal   | Pasta,  Rice  and  Pulses  | Pork and Bacon |  Poultry and  Game| Quick Main Courses  |  Salads    |    Stews   |  Vegetarian

 

Side Dishes     Dips and  Dressings  | Jams, Pickles  and  Preserves| Marinades  |   Pasta &  Rice    |    Side Salads    |  Salsas and Relishes |  Sauces   |   Stuffings   |  Vegetables
 

Desserts and  Puddings  Cold Desserts | Hot Puddings |Quick Desserts     
 

Cakes & Bakes     Biscuits,   Cookies, Pastries |  Breads  | Cakes

 

International    Worldwide A to Z  | British  | Chinese  |  Indian

 

Special Diets     Dairy Free  |   Gluten Free   |  Vegan   |  Egg  Free

 

Other Recipe Sections     Cooking Videos | Cooking with Alcohol  | Credit Crunch Economical Recipes|  Edible Flowers | Family Recipes|  Food in Film  | Holidays | Ingredients  | Leftovers |  Meals in Minutes |  Party Food & Cocktails  |  Pressure Cooking  |  Slow Food | Smoothies | Special Days & Holidays | Sport Recipes | Student Recipes  | Summer Recipes | Videos  |  Weekday Menus | What's in Season


Reference Pages     5-A-Day Portions  | Cooking Holidays and Schools |  Conversion Charts  | Directories  | Farmers Markets |  Fish - Types |  Food &  Health   |  Food Celebration Days  |  Growing Vegetables  |  Growing Herbs  |  Guide to Kitchenware |  History of  Food   |  Holidays  |  Ingredients   |  Online Shops   |    Preserving Fresh Produce   |  Special days   |  Sport  |  Student Cooking | Table Settings  | UK Food Shopping Directory | Vegetables-General prep & cooking times  | Videos  | What's in Season

All recipes are published for your convenience and are both suitable and tasty enough to be eaten by anyone without food allergies, as part of a normal diet. We advise you to consult a qualified doctor before starting any special diet. If you suffer from and food allergies, always check the ingredients on the label of pre-prepared products. No correspondence can be entered into regarding medical matters.

 

This Web Site was designed and created by Recipes4us.co.uk. Copyright © 2000-2011 [Recipes4us] All rights reserved.

 Some Photos ©  www.fotolia.co.uk