Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
Introduction
Crispy gnocchi with spinach and feta is a delightful combination of tender potato dumplings, fresh greens, and tangy cheese. This quick and easy dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an excellent weeknight meal or a tasty side.
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
- Use a non-stick pan or cast iron skillet for the best crispy gnocchi texture.
- Substitute feta with goat cheese or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra color and taste.
- For a vegan version, replace feta with a plant-based cheese alternative.
Storage
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or microwave briefly if preferred. Avoid reheating in water to keep the texture intact.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well. Just cook according to package instructions until they float, then follow the recipe to crisp them up in the pan.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Keep the heat at medium when adding garlic and stir it quickly after adding. Cooking it just until fragrant (about 1 minute) helps avoid burning and bitterness.
PrintCrispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta Recipe
This Crispy Gnocchi with Spinach and Feta recipe features pillowy gnocchi pan-fried to golden perfection, then tossed with fresh sautéed spinach, aromatic garlic, and tangy crumbled feta cheese. A quick and easy skillet meal perfect for a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner that balances crispy textures with creamy and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main 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
- 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, usually about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi and set them aside to drain.
- Heat the Oil and Crisp Gnocchi: 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.
- Brown All Sides: Gently stir the gnocchi and cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring they get crispy on all sides.
- Sauté Garlic: 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.
- Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach to the pan, stirring gently until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Season the Dish: Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Remove the pan from heat.
- Add the Feta Cheese: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, allowing it to combine with the other ingredients. Serve immediately on plates.
Notes
- Ensure the gnocchi is well drained before frying to avoid splattering.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor and texture.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately to keep the gnocchi crispy.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Keywords: gnocchi recipe, crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta cheese, vegetarian dinner, easy skillet recipe
