Description
This Crispy Gnocchi With Spinach and Feta recipe is a delightful combination of golden, pan-fried gnocchi tossed with tender spinach, tangy feta, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. Perfect for a quick yet flavorful vegetarian meal, it offers crispy textures balanced with fresh and zesty flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Greens and Herbs
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- Big handful of chopped dill
- Big handful of chopped mint
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Dairy
- 6 ounces Greek feta, crumbled (about 1 cup)
Produce
- 1 lemon, halved
Pantry
- 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 (16- to 17-ounce) package potato gnocchi (shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen)
Instructions
- Tenderize the Spinach: Place the baby spinach into a large bowl. Add half of the crumbled feta, juice of one half of the lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a big pinch of salt. Rub the ingredients vigorously into the spinach to tenderize and soften it further. Set aside to let the spinach soften while cooking the gnocchi.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Heat a large (about 12-inch) cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the gnocchi to the pan, separating any that are stuck together. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, tossing every 2 minutes to ensure even golden and crispy texture all over. Once cooked, allow the gnocchi to cool in the pan for 5 minutes; this helps them crisp up further.
- Combine and Serve: Add the crispy gnocchi to the bowl with the tenderized spinach. Add the crushed red pepper, thinly sliced scallions, chopped dill, and chopped mint. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture, add the remaining crumbled feta, and toss gently to combine all flavors. Finally, squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the dish and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use fresh, frozen, or shelf-stable gnocchi; adjust cooking time slightly if frozen.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper.
- Cast-iron skillet is recommended for best crisping but nonstick works well too.
- Leftover gnocchi can be stored refrigerated and reheated in a skillet to regain crispness.
- Feel free to add other fresh herbs like parsley for additional flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: gnocchi, crispy gnocchi, spinach, feta, vegetarian, easy dinner, Mediterranean recipe, pan-fried gnocchi
