Gnocchi is a type of Italian dumpling that can be made from various ingredients like potatoes, breadcrumbs, flour, eggs, cheese, etc. It has a soft pillowy texture and is often served as a first course or side dish. However, gnocchi can also be used in soups and it’s important to know if you need to cook it first before adding it to soup.
Quick Answer
Yes, it’s recommended to cook gnocchi separately before adding it to soup. Raw gnocchi added directly to soup will fall apart and turn the soup into a starchy, goopy mess. Pre-cooking helps sets the dumplings so they hold their shape and texture when simmered in broth or soup.
Do You Have to Boil Gnocchi Before Putting in Soup?
Boiling is the most common and recommended cooking method for gnocchi before adding to soup. Here are some key reasons why:
- Boiling cooks through the interior of the gnocchi so they don’t fall apart in the soup.
- It sets the outer texture of the gnocchi so they can withstand simmering in broth without getting mushy.
- Pre-boiling removes excess starch from the surface of the dumplings so they don’t make the soup gloppy and overly thick.
- It allows you to control the doneness and ensure the gnocchi are not undercooked.
- Boiling ahead of time allows you to drain and rinse the gnocchi which prevents a starchy soup.
The recommended boiling time is 2-3 minutes for most homemade or store-bought shelf-stable gnocchi. Fresh gnocchi usually requires just 1-2 minutes. The dumplings are done when they float to the top of the boiling water.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here is a simple step-by-step process for pre-cooking gnocchi before adding to soup:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use 4 quarts of water per 1 pound of gnocchi.
- Once boiling, add the gnocchi carefully to avoid overcrowding the pot. Gnocchi need room to move and cook evenly.
- Cook for recommended time until gnocchi float to the top, about 1-3 minutes depending on freshness.
- Drain gnocchi well in a colander and immediately rinse with cool water to prevent sticking.
- Use gnocchi right away in soup or chill in fridge up to 3 days before using.
Tips for Cooking Gnocchi for Soup
Follow these tips for the best results when pre-cooking gnocchi for soup:
- Use a slotted spoon when adding boiled gnocchi to soup to drain excess water.
- Add gnocchi at the very end to heat through without overcooking in the soup.
- Try pan frying instead of boiling for added texture and flavor.
- Toss boiled gnocchi with a bit of oil to prevent sticking before refrigerating.
- Cut larger gnocchi into smaller pieces after boiling for daintier appearance in soup.
- Flavor the boiling water with spices, herbs, garlic, etc for extra taste.
- Be very gentle when stirring after adding to soup to prevent breaking up gnocchi.
Best Soup Recipes with Gnocchi
Here are some delicious soup recipes that feature boiled gnocchi:
Chicken Gnocchi Soup
This classic soup is made with chicken broth, boiled gnocchi, chicken, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The starchy gnocchi and cheese give the broth amazing thickness and richness.
Gnocchi and Sausage Soup
Spicy Italian sausage and boiled gnocchi are simmered in a tomato base with kale and beans. The chunks of gnocchi add hearty texture.
Tortellini and Gnocchi Soup
This kid-friendly soup combines boiled cheese tortellini and mini potato gnocchi in chicken broth with carrots and celery. The two pasta dumplings pair perfectly together!
Pesto Gnocchi Soup
Gnocchi and pesto are a match made in heaven! Boiled potato gnocchi shine when simmered in a bright pesto broth with veggies like peas, spinach, or green beans.
Baked Potato Gnocchi Soup
Boiled potato gnocchi, bacon, cheddar cheese, chives, and sour cream perfect recreate loaded baked potato flavor in soup form. Amazing!
Creamy Tomato Gnocchi Soup
This rich, tomatoey soup gets extra cozy with boiled gnocchi and a swirl of heavy cream. Sprinkle shredded basil on top for bonus flavor.
Can You Cook Gnocchi Other Ways for Soup?
While boiling is the standard, there are other cooking methods that can be used to prep gnocchi for soup:
Pan Frying
Frying boiled gnocchi in butter or olive oil on the stovetop creates a crispy, golden exterior texture and enhanced flavor. Just fry 1-2 minutes per side before adding to soup.
Roasting
Roasting boiled gnocchi in the oven with some oil or butter also creates a delicious crispy crust. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway.
Microwaving
It’s possible but not ideal. Microwaving raw gnocchi 1-2 minutes before adding to soup can help partially set them but texture won’t be as good.
Steaming
Steaming gnocchi in a basket over boiling water avoids overly wet dumplings. Steam for 2-3 minutes just until plumped up before adding to soup.
Searing
Try tossing boiled gnocchi in a hot skillet just to sear the outsides for 1-2 minutes. Adds nice color and flavor.
Common Mistakes When Making Soup with Gnocchi
Watch out for these possible pitfalls when making gnocchi soup:
- Not pre-cooking gnocchi – results in mushy, fallen apart dumplings
- Overcooking gnocchi – makes them swollen, soggy, and lose their pillowy bite
- Cooking gnocchi right in the soup – causes them to get waterlogged from too much liquid
- Skipping rinsing boiled gnocchi – leaves excess starch that makes soup gummy
- Adding raw gnocchi to broth while cold – prevents proper cooking through of dumplings
- Stirring soup too roughly after adding gnocchi – can break up their tender texture
- Letting gnocchi sit in soup too long – keeps absorbing liquid and gnocchi lose their shape
Storing Leftover Gnocchi Soup
To properly store gnocchi soup leftovers:
- Let soup cool completely before refrigerating.
- Store in airtight container up to 3-4 days.
- Gnocchi may absorb more liquid and become soggy over time.
- Reheat gently on stove just until warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving which can turn gnocchi mushy.
- Stir in a little milk or cream when reheating to thin soup as needed.
- Gnocchi will have the best texture when soup is freshly made.
Conclusion
For the perfect tender yet firm gnocchi texture in soup, it’s essential to boil or otherwise pre-cook them before adding to hot broth. This prevents a gluey, starchy soup and results in pillowy soft dumplings that hold their shape and provide hearty satisfaction. With so many flavor combinations possible, boiled gnocchi can bring joy and comfort to any soup. Just be sure not to skip this simple but important step when using gnocchi in your next simmering soup pot!