Description
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a quick and delicious dish featuring tender gnocchi pan-fried to a golden crisp, tossed with fresh sautéed spinach, garlic, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect as a comforting vegetarian meal that combines crispy texture with creamy and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound gnocchi
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 4 cups fresh spinach (About 120 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese and Seasonings
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (About 115 g)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (Optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, typically about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set aside to drain.
- Fry the gnocchi: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the underside is golden brown and crispy.
- Turn and crisp all sides: Gently stir and flip the gnocchi, cooking for another 2-3 minutes so they become crispy on all sides, ensuring an even golden crust.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the pan, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. This will soften the greens while keeping their vibrant color.
- Season the dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Remove the pan from heat.
- Add the feta: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to warm slightly and combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispy gnocchi, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure they fry evenly.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust to your spice preference.
- You can substitute baby spinach with other greens like Swiss chard or kale if preferred.
- To keep the dish vegetarian and gluten-free, choose gnocchi made from potatoes without added wheat flour.
- Serve this dish immediately for the best texture, as the gnocchi can soften if left to sit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Pan-frying, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (approximately 190 g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 18 mg
Keywords: crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta, quick vegetarian dinner, pan-fried gnocchi, Italian comfort food
