Learning How to Make Homemade Gnocchi {GALLERY}

Do you ever wonder what goes on in the kitchen before being served your favorite Italian dish?

During a complimentary taste and tour at Andiamo in Warren, a few members of our team were given an inside look at the magic behind gnocchi, a potato-based dumpling often served with traditional pasta toppings and sauces.

The event started with a presentation from Executive Chef Jim Oppat, whose passion for food and cooking takes him across the world on a regular basis to expand his culinary technique and experiment with the foods and flavors of other cultures.

Following our discussion with Chef, we headed to the kitchen to be shown a step-by-step demonstration of how this staple Italian dish is prepared. We watched as what looked like mashed potatoes transformed into a dough with the help of flour and egg yolk. Soon, it was our turn to jump in.

Using just our hands and a basket, the group began to knead the dough into it’s notorious gnocchi shape. (Let it be known that I managed to struggle with this seemingly simple task.)

Looking back on the taste and tour, the most memorable of all was the five-course meal that was as mouth-watering as it sounds:

• Caprese with Buffalo Mozzarella and assorted cheeses
• Potato Almond Cakes
• Ceci Bean Soup
• Pasta Fagioli
• Gnocchi with Lobster and vegetables
• Housemade gelato with coffee glaze

Take a look at some photos of the experience and these delicious dishes at the taste and tour below: