Ñoquis, or gnocchi, are delightful potato dumplings cherished in Italian and Argentine cuisine. Crafted from mashed potatoes, flour, and sometimes eggs, they're formed into small dumplings and often adorned with ridges for sauce adherence. The dish's origins trace back to ancient times, believed to have been introduced by the Roman Empire. In Argentina, ñoquis hold cultural significance, traditionally consumed on the 29th of each month. This ritualistic practice emerged during times of economic hardship when families eagerly anticipated the end of the month for their paychecks. Today, ñoquis remain a beloved comfort food, served with an array of sauces, notably tomato sauce, providing a flavorful and comforting dining experience.

Ingredients:

- 2 large potatoes

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- Salt to taste

- Your favorite tomato sauce

- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Method:

1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly.

2. Peel the potatoes and mash them thoroughly until no lumps remain.

3. Add the flour and a pinch of salt to the mashed potatoes, and knead until you have a smooth dough.

4. On a floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 1 inch in diameter.

5. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces, and if desired, roll each piece over the back of a fork to create ridges.

6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi into the boiling water in batches, cooking until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes.

7. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a serving dish.

8. Heat your favorite tomato sauce in a separate pan. Pour the sauce over the cooked gnocchi.

9. Serve hot, optionally sprinkled with grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade ñoquis!

Nutrition Value:

1. 2 large potatoes:

  - Calories: Approximately 280 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 63 grams

  - Protein: Roughly 7 grams

  - Fat: Negligible (less than 1 gram)

  - Sodium: Minimal (depending on added salt)

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins: Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, B6, and potassium.

  - Minerals: They contain potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy. They also contain fiber, aiding digestion, and various vitamins and minerals necessary for overall health.

2. 1 cup all-purpose flour:

  - Calories: Approximately 455 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: Around 95 grams

  - Protein: Roughly 13 grams

  - Fat: Around 1.5 grams

  - Sodium: Minimal (depending on added salt)

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins: Flour is not a significant source of essential vitamins.

  - Minerals: It contains small amounts of iron and calcium.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Flour provides carbohydrates and protein necessary for energy and muscle repair. However, it is processed and lacks the nutrients found in whole grains.

3. Salt to taste:

  - Calories: Negligible

  - Carbohydrates: None

  - Protein: None

  - Fat: None

  - Sodium: The amount depends on usage.

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: Primarily sodium

  - Nutritional Benefits: While salt adds flavor to dishes, excessive consumption can lead to high blood pressure. Moderation is key.

4. Your favorite tomato sauce:

  - Nutritional content varies widely depending on the brand and recipe. Generally:

  - Calories: Around 60-80 kcal per half cup

  - Carbohydrates: Around 10-15 grams

  - Protein: Around 2-3 grams

  - Fat: Around 2-3 grams

  - Sodium: Varies but can be high; check labels for lower sodium options.

  - Cholesterol: Zero

  - Vitamins: Typically a good source of vitamin C and vitamin A from tomatoes.

  - Minerals: Contains potassium, magnesium, and small amounts of iron.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Tomato sauce is low in calories and provides essential vitamins and minerals. It's particularly rich in lycopene, an antioxidant associated with various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

5. Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving):

  - Calories: Approximately 22 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Less than 1 gram

  - Protein: Around 2 grams

  - Fat: Around 1.5 grams

  - Sodium: Around 70 mg per tablespoon

  - Cholesterol: Around 5 mg per tablespoon

  - Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and vitamin B12.

  - Minerals: Contains calcium and phosphorus.

  - Nutritional Benefits: Parmesan cheese adds flavor and a modest amount of protein and calcium to the dish. However, it's also high in saturated fat and sodium, so consumption should be moderate.