Whether to cook gnocchi before adding it to soup is a common question for home cooks. Gnocchi are small dumplings usually made from potatoes, eggs, flour, and sometimes cheese. Their pillowy texture makes them a fun addition to soups, but they can easily fall apart if not prepared properly. This article will provide some quick answers about cooking gnocchi for soup and when it’s best to add them.
Should You Cook Gnocchi Before Adding to Soup?
The quick answer is yes, you should partially cook gnocchi before adding them to soup. Gnocchi are dense dumplings that usually require boiling for 2-3 minutes until they float to the top of the water. This pre-cooks them so they hold their shape better in soup. Adding raw, uncooked gnocchi directly into soup can result in mushy, falling apart dumplings.
Here are some key tips for cooking gnocchi for soup:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked gnocchi directly to the soup pot. Discard the boiling water.
- Gently stir gnocchi into the hot soup to heat them through and incorporate flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Avoid overcooking gnocchi once in the soup or they can get mushy. Cook just until heated through.
Partially pre-cooking the gnocchi ensures they hold their shape and texture when added to soup. The short boil gives them structure so they don’t disintegrate. Then letting them finish cooking gently in the hot soup infuses them with flavor.
Tips for Cooking Different Types of Gnocchi
There are a few different varieties of gnocchi to consider when cooking them for soups:
Potato Gnocchi
Classic potato gnocchi are dense, chewy dumplings made from potatoes, egg, and flour. They require boiling for 2-3 minutes before adding to soup. Make sure to cook them just until they float, being careful not to let them get waterlogged and mushy. Potato gnocchi should retain their pillowy texture in the finished soup.
Ricotta or Cheese Gnocchi
Gnocchi made with soft ricotta or cream cheese tend to be more delicate than dense potato dumplings. They only require 1-2 minutes of boiling before adding to soup to avoid overcooking. Look for them to puff up at the surface when ready.
Shelf-Stable/Dried Gnocchi
Packaged dried gnocchi need a bit more cooking time, about 4-5 minutes until tender when boiled. Make sure to stir gently so they don’t stick together. Dried gnocchi will usually require extra time to soak up broth flavors once added to soup too.
Commercial Refrigerated Gnocchi
Convenient pre-made gnocchi found in the refrigerated section of grocery stores tend to be quick-cooking. Only boil refrigerated gnocchi for 1 minute before adding them to soups. Overcooking can cause them to split and fall apart.
Best Soups for Adding Gnocchi
Gnocchi pair deliciously with many soups and broths. Here are some top soup styles that gnocchi complement beautifully:
- Minestrone: Classic Italian vegetable soup with gnocchi for heartiness.
- Tomato Soup: Roast tomatoes and basil with gnocchi makes it like a meal.
- Chicken Noodle Soup: Gnocchi instead of noodles feels decadent.
- Beef Stew: Hearty chunks of beef and veggies with gnocchi.
- Broccoli Cheddar Soup: Gnocchi adds great texture and absorbs flavor.
- Tortellini Soup: Mix gnocchi with cheese tortellini for fun.
- Chicken and Dumpling Soup: Fluffy gnocchi as dumplings!
Almost any broth-based soup can be enhanced with pillowy gnocchi. They add comforting texture and act like mini sponges to soak up surrounding flavors. Potatoes, cheese, vegetables, poultry, and meat broths all complement gnocchi beautifully.
Choosing the Right Gnocchi for Soup
With so many varieties available from stores or to make from scratch, which gnocchi works best in soups? Here are some tips for picking the right gnocchi to cook in soup:
| Type | Good for… |
|---|---|
| Potato Gnocchi | Hearty vegetable, beef, and chicken soups. Holds shape and has great potato flavor. |
| Cheese Gnocchi | Creamy broccoli, potato, and cheddar soups. Delicate but offers richness. |
| Chilled Gnocchi | Serving in cold summer soups like gazpacho or vichyssoise. |
| Multigrain Gnocchi | Adds whole grain goodness to minestrone or lentil soups. |
| Gluten-Free Gnocchi | Celiac-friendly option for safe, allergy-free cooking. |
The possibilities are endless for mixing and matching different types of gnocchi to customize your perfect soup creation!
Key Tips for Cooking Gnocchi in Soup
Follow these tips for successfully cooking gnocchi and adding them to hot soup:
- Partially pre-cook gnocchi: Always quickly boil or simmer gnocchi for 1-3 minutes before adding to soup. This sets their structure so they hold shape.
- Watch for doneness cues: Look for gnocchi to float, puff up, or become just tender. Avoid overcooking into mush.
- Gently stir: Fold cooked gnocchi carefully into hot soup. Stirring too vigorously can cause splitting and bursting.
- Add flavorings/toppings: Garnish finished gnocchi soup with herbs, pepper flakes, cheese, croutons or meat for extra flavor and crunch.
- Store properly: Allow gnocchi soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Can freeze for 1-2 months.
Gnocchi Soup Recipes to Try
Ready to start cooking up some delicious, pillowy gnocchi soup recipes at home? Here are some top gnocchi soup recipes to try:
1. Classic Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
This comforting recipe is a crowd-pleaser with chicken, veggies, and tender potato gnocchi in chicken broth:
- Sauté onions, carrots, celery in olive oil.
- Add chicken broth, diced chicken, spinach and seasonings.
- In a separate pot, boil gnocchi for 2-3 minutes until floated.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the soup and simmer 5 minutes more.
- Top with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
2. Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
Tomatoes and rich cream with basil gnocchi is Italian comfort food:
- Simmer tomatoes, garlic, onions, cream and seasonings.
- Purée soup until smooth.
- Boil fresh or frozen basil gnocchi for 2 minutes.
- Fold gnocchi gently into hot tomato puree.
- Garnish with parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
3. Sausage, Kale and Gnocchi Soup
Hearty gnocchi, spicy sausage, and nutrient-packed kale make a filling soup:
- Brown Italian sausage and sauté onions and garlic.
- Add chicken broth, kale, seasonings and simmer.
- Boil potato gnocchi in separate pot for 2-3 minutes.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the soup and continue simmering until heated through.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with grated parmesan.
Storing and Freezing Gnocchi Soup
Properly stored, gnocchi soup will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely first before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen gnocchi soup will keep for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop until hot and steaming.
Some tips for storing and freezing:
- Let soup cool completely before refrigerating or freezing to prevent bacteria growth.
- Portion into individual containers or bags before freezing for easy thawing and reheating.
- Avoid freezing cream-based gnocchi soups as the dairy can curdle and separate upon thawing.
- Stir occasionally while reheating thawed frozen soup to redistribute ingredients evenly.
- Add a splash of broth or milk to thin out thickened frozen soups if needed.
Troubleshooting Common Gnocchi Soup Problems
Gnocchi soup is delicious but can have some issues if the dumplings aren’t cooked properly. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Mushy, falling apart gnocchi | Don’t overcook gnocchi. Boil just until they float up. Stir soup gently. |
| Gnocchi sticks together | Make sure not to crowd too many while boiling. Stir gently to separate. |
| Dense, gummy gnocchi | Cook in boiling water, not just simmering. Make sure they are light and pillowy. |
| Gnocchi splits and bursts | Be gentle when stirring into soup. Fold in rather than vigorously stirring. |
| Thick, gluggy soup | The starch from gnocchi can thicken soup. Add more broth or milk to thin. |
With some care when cooking and handling the delicate dumplings, you can avoid common gnocchi soup mishaps.
Conclusion
Adding pillowy gnocchi makes for a comforting, hearty soup. Be sure to partially pre-cook them by boiling or simmering for 1-3 minutes before adding them to hot soup where they can finish cooking gently. Fold cooked gnocchi carefully into broths, tomatoes, and cream-based soups for perfect dumplings immersed in flavor. With so many varieties to choose from, gnocchi offers an endlessly adaptable addition to spice up any soup. Follow these tips and recipes for enjoying delicious, homemade gnocchi soup anytime.