Gnocchi di zucca con ricotta affumicata

Gnocchi di zucca con ricotta affumicata is a traditional Italian dish consisting of soft pumpkin-based dumplings paired with smoked ricotta. While pumpkin-based gnocchi are found throughout various parts of Italy, this specific iteration is a celebrated specialty in Gorizia, Italia.

The dish is primarily composed of roasted pumpkin, flour, and eggs, which are worked into a delicate dough to create light, pillowy dumplings. The defining element is the addition of *ricotta affumicata* (smoked ricotta), which introduces a deep, savory smokiness that balances the inherent sweetness of the pumpkin.

A high-quality version of this dish is distinguished by the texture of the gnocchi—which must remain airy rather than dense—and the precise integration of the smoked cheese to ensure the flavors do not overwhelm the vegetable. In Gorizia, the dish is notably represented by Francesco Zini at Trattoria Da Gianni, where the recipe is crafted to highlight these specific textural and flavor contrasts.

Regional variations of pumpkin gnocchi are common across Italy. In the Mantua region, the dish is often prepared with a sweeter profile, sometimes incorporating crushed amaretti biscuits. In contrast, the version found in the northeastern regions tends to lean toward savory profiles, utilizing local smoked cheeses to complement the seasonal squash.