October 8th is National Pierogi Day. Pierogies are typically considered a Polish delicacy. Pierogies are simply dumplings that are typically filled with potatoes or cheeses (though you can truly fill them with anything) that are fried or sauteed and served with sour cream or butter. Gnocchi, however, is the Italian version made smaller and usually served like pasta with a sauce. Both are absolutely delicious!
The items are similar enough to be associated or even confused for each other, but are also very different. People tend to confuse them because they both contain potato but they are made two separate ways. They are made from totally different dough and therefore have a different texture. Gnocchi has potato in the dough while pierogies are filled with potato. Because pierogies are pasta-pockets stuffed with any filling, they retain that flavor. Gnocchi, however, are not filled pasta and take on the taste of the ingredients they are mixed with. (Hopefully this clears up some of the confusion)
To celebrate National Pierogi Day, mix it up a little and eat gnocchi instead. Try some of our various flavors of gnocchi today including, potato, ricotta cheese, bacon & cheddar, sun-dried tomato, and many more! All taste even better with our homemade sauces!
Carlino's
Makers & Purveyors of Artisan Food
