Name: Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound gnocchi; 4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g); 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Introduction

Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender gnocchi with fresh spinach and salty feta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste in every bite.

The dish is a white bowl filled with golden-brown pan-fried gnocchi pieces, each browned and slightly crispy on the outside, arranged throughout the dish. Mixed in and around the gnocchi are deep green, wilted spinach leaves with a glossy texture, adding freshness and color contrast. Scattered on top are small chunks of white feta cheese that add a crumbly texture. The dish has a light shiny oil coating giving it a slightly glossy look, with a sprinkle of fine herbs and seasoning on the surface. On the side sits a silver fork partially resting on the bowl. The whole scene is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups fresh spinach (about 120 g)
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 115 g)
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
Step 2: In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the cooked gnocchi and cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until they become golden brown and crispy on one side.
Step 3: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 5: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove from heat.
Step 7: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Substitute kale or Swiss chard for spinach if you prefer a heartier green.
To make this dish vegan, use a plant-based feta alternative or omit the cheese entirely.
Adding toasted pine nuts on top adds a nice crunch and complements the feta well.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to retain the crispiness, or microwave briefly if in a hurry. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the texture.

How to Serve

The dish shows a shallow white bowl filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is wilted dark green spinach leaves that look soft and slightly wet, and the top layer has golden brown gnocchi with a light crisp surface, scattered evenly among the spinach. On top, there are small bits of white cheese crumbles sprinkled all over, adding a crumbly texture and contrast in color. The bowl rests on a light beige cloth with a silver fork at the side, and the background is a white marbled texture, giving a fresh and clean look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen gnocchi works well for this recipe. Cook them according to package instructions before frying to get a crispy texture.

How can I prevent the gnocchi from sticking to the pan?

Make sure the olive oil is hot before adding the gnocchi and avoid stirring too often during cooking. Cooking them undisturbed helps achieve a crispy crust and prevents sticking.