An excellent choice for a quick snack, gnocchi is an Italian pasta variety made of small dumplings. It can be prepared in several ways to suit your preferences. However, those who have recently switched to a plant-based diet would wonder if they can still enjoy this recipe.
So, is gnocchi plant based? Yes, gnocchi is plant based. The original gnocchi contains potato and flour, making it close to being plant-based. However, the recipe can sometimes call for animal products like eggs and milk in which case it will not be appropriate for a plant-based diet.
Below, we talk about gnocchi and its ingredients and nutrition to help you decide whether you can eat the food on a plant-based diet.
Why Gnocchi is Plant Based?
Gnocchi is generally made out of two ingredients, potato and flour, making it a plant-based food to a great extent. It can be kept free of animal products like dairy, eggs and fat. As long as you don’t cook this plant-based pasta with meat or eggs, the food still remains plant-based.
It is, however, important to look for brands that don’t add animal fats or eggs during the production of gnocchi. There are several companies selling dairy and egg-free pasta that suits a plant-based diet.
What Are The Main Ingredients of Gnochhi?
While the primary ingredient in gnocchi is potato, it also contains flour containing multiple ingredients like wheat, semolina, corn and more. While the dumplings are made from these two ingredients, some varieties and brands contain eggs and milk as well.
To keep the gnocchi plant-based, it is important that you complement the pasta with ingredients and foods that are free of animal components. For example, if it is cooked or topped with cheese, it does not remain suitable for plant-based diet.
Gnocchi Nutrition
Just like regular pasta, gnocchi is high in carbs and low in protein. The exact amount of carbs depends on the ingredients used in the pasta and its shape. Though a filling recipe for a snack or meal, gnocchi lacks important nutrients and should be consumed only in moderation and not made a part of everyday diet.
Here is the nutritional information for a serving size of 2 ounces of gnocchi.
- Calories – 89
- Carbohydrates – 19g
- Protein – 2.5g
- Fiber – 0.9g
You can make your own gnocchi at home using potatoes and healthy flour such as oats or whole wheat to improve its nutritional profile. Add wholesome, plant-based ingredients to the recipe to keep it healthy and aligned with your dietary requirements.
Conclusion
So, you can always enjoy gnocchi as a part of your plant-based diet. The pasta available in most stores generally contains no animal ingredients. However, you should always check the ingredients list to make sure the product you are buying does not interfere with your diet restrictions. Moreover, the way you cook and eat gnocchi makes a lot of difference. It is a good idea to make your own gnocchi recipe at home to keep it plant-based.
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