Gnocchi with Swiss chard

Tips: Making gnocchi with Swiss chard

Explore our tips section for helpful suggestions on how to make every bite of these gnocchi with Swiss chard as pleasing as the first.

Cooking the gnocchi

To properly cook gnocchi, begin by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi to the water. Keep in mind that they cook rather quickly; it typically takes just a few minutes. You will know they are ready when they float to the surface of the water, indicating the gnocchi are cooked through. As soon as they float, promptly remove them from the water using a slotted spoon.

Avoid overcrowding

When grilling Swiss chard, it is important to arrange the leaves in a single layer with some space between them. This prevents overcrowding on the grill, ensuring that each leaf has enough exposure to direct heat. The leaves should be wilted and slightly charred, retaining some of their bite and vibrant colour.

Discover our gnocchi with Swiss chard

Discover our delicious gnocchi with Swiss chard, a fresh take on the classic Italian potato dumpling. Gnocchi has a rich history, dating back hundreds of years with countless variations. Our recipe captures the essence of the gnocchi, with its simple preparation and tender texture, and combines it with other great and easy ingredients. Enjoy it with cream-grilled Swiss chard, rich garlic butter, and Parmesan and hazelnut on top.

For another gnocchi variation, try our easy butternut squash gnocchi. It combines gnocchi with butternut squash in a creamy cheese and mushroom sauce. We also have other exciting Italian-inspired recipes like creamy mushroom tagliatelle, chicken fettuccine Alfredo, or vegetarian lasagne. 

Cream-grilled Swiss chard with sweet and smoky flavours

The standout feature of this recipe is the cream-grilled Swiss chard, which transforms the greens into a sweet and smoky delight. Before grilling, the chard leaves are lightly brushed with whipping cream. This encourages the leaves to release their natural sugars more rapidly, adding a subtle sweetness to the chard. As the leaves sizzle on the grill, they also absorb a hint of smokiness. Grilling is swift, so watch closely to achieve that charred look without burning the delicate leaves.

Tender gnocchi topped with Parmesan and toasted hazelnuts

With their soft, tender texture and mild flavour, the gnocchi provide the perfect base for this dish. These delightful potato dumplings excel at soaking up the rich garlic butter, setting the stage for the other ingredients to truly stand out. Sprinkle over some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of creamy richness, and for the final flourish, scatter chopped and toasted hazelnuts atop. Their crunchy texture offers a delightful counterpoint to the soft gnocchi paired with tender Swiss chard.

Make the dish your own

One of the joys of cooking at home is the freedom to get creative and tweak recipes to your liking. If hazelnuts are not your favourite, consider substituting them with walnuts, pine nuts, or pecans. Walnuts offer a slightly bitter taste that enhances the robust nuttiness of dishes, while pine nuts bring a gentler flavour and a softer crunch. Pecans boast a sweeter, caramel-like flavour that can make the dish more indulgent.

Keep the grill going, and add a variety of vegetables to pair with the Swiss chard. Tomatoes are a fantastic choice, adding bright acidity and juiciness that complement both the chard and the savoury garlic butter. Similarly, red peppers not only contribute a vibrant colour but also a sweet crispness. For an extra layer of flavour, consider sautéing shiitake or cremini mushrooms until golden and add them to the gnocchi.