Gnocchi alla Romana – The Pasta Undertaking

Gnocchi alla Romana is a standard kind of semolina gnocchi from Rome. These gnocchi are completely divine and a must-try in case you have by no means had them! Make them in a single massive dish for all of the household to tuck into or serve them in particular person parts for a chic starter.

The primary time I made these gnocchi alla Romana, was really the primary time I had eaten them. Nevertheless, it wasn’t the final! They’ve develop into a agency household favorite! I really like potato gnocchi, however they aren’t at all times very mild.

In actual fact, many gnocchi dishes are higher eaten within the winter once we want and crave extra substantial meals! Gnocchi alla Romana, however, may even be served as a starter. They’re wealthy however mild and an actual soften in your mouth deal with! 

Historical past

These semolina gnocchi are some of the well-known examples of pre-or non-potato gnocchi. They’re similar to the kind of dumplings loved in Historic Rome, therefore the identify ‘alla Romana’ (Roman gnocchi).

Even though some individuals attribute the origin of those gnocchi to Piedmont due to the excessive butter content material (which isn’t typical in Lazio cusine), they’re a standard dish in Rome and Lazio.

Various Methods to Serve Gnocchi alla Romana

The traditional Roman recipe makes use of a easy butter and cheese dressing. Nevertheless, these gnocchi alla Romana may be served in different methods; comparable to with a bechamel sauce, a mornay sauce, a 4 cheese sauce or a sauce blended with ham, bacon, pancetta or greens.

They will also be served ‘alla Sorrentina‘ which suggests baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. Plus, you possibly can put some chopped greens or herbs, comparable to spinach, nettle, chicory, basil and many others. into the dough.

Historically, gnocchi alla Romana are formed in circles. However, the dough will also be minimize into squares or different shapes! So, for those who’re making these with the children, you possibly can have some enjoyable and minimize them in numerous shapes! Truly, even with out youngsters, you may get inventive with the form!

Elements

• Milk: That is the liquid in your semolina dough. You should use any kind of milk; if you would like a richer gnocchi use complete milk.
• Semolina: Semolina offers the gnocchi their distinctive texture and taste. Ensure to make use of high-quality semolina for the perfect outcomes.
• Butter: Butter provides richness to the dough and in addition helps in browning the gnocchi within the oven. This recipe makes use of unsalted butter; for those who use salted, you possibly can barely cut back the addition of salt within the recipe.
• Egg yolks: Egg yolks assist bind the substances collectively and provides richness to the gnocchi.
• Parmigiano Reggiano: Parmigiano Reggiano lends a wealthy, nutty taste to the gnocchi.
• Pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano is a salty, arduous cheese constructed from sheep’s milk. It provides a pointy, tangy taste to the gnocchi. When you can’t discover it, you possibly can substitute with further Parmigiano Reggiano.
• Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the opposite substances.
• Nutmeg: Nutmeg provides a delicate heat and depth to the gnocchi. Use freshly grated nutmeg if attainable; it’s extra flavorful than pre-ground.

Skilled Ideas

Listed here are my prime tricks to get you one step nearer to gnocchi perfection.

• Slicing Circles: Utilizing a moist cutter when chopping out the semolina dough circles will help stop sticking, making the method a lot smoother. When you don’t have a spherical cutter, a glass of comparable measurement will do the trick simply as nicely.
• Stirring Vigorously: As soon as the semolina is added to the milk, it thickens quickly. Change from a whisk to a wood spoon, and maintain stirring vigorously to stop lumps from forming.
• Make Forward: Gnocchi alla Romana is an ideal make-ahead dish. In case you have a busy day arising, put together the semolina dough a day forward and refrigerate it in a single day. You may then minimize and organize the gnocchi if you’re prepared, making the ultimate steps a breeze.

Step by Step Directions

1) Start by pouring the milk right into a saucepan, including half the butter (minimize into items), a pinch of grated nutmeg, and salt.

2) Convey the milk combination to a simmer. As soon as the butter has melted, regularly add the semolina whereas whisking to stop lumps from forming.

Notice: When you add the semolina the combination will thicken quickily.

3) Because the combination thickens, decrease the warmth and change to a wood spoon and stir vigorously to stop lumps forming.

4) Hold cooking the semolina till the combination turns into fairly stiff and elastic and begins to tug cleanly away from the edges of the pan (stirring on a regular basis, after all)

5) Take away the pan from the warmth and blend within the egg yolk.

6) As soon as nicely mixed combine within the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

7) Unfold the recent dough out in a fair 1 cm thick layer on a buttered or oiled baking sheet or giant rectangular Pyrex dish.

Tip: Wetting your fingers or a spatula could make this simpler.

8) Permit the dough to chill at room temperature or within the fridge for about 30 to 40 minutes.

Notice: Alternatively, you possibly can put together this a day forward and refrigerate in a single day.

9) Use a spherical 5-6cm cutter (or a glass or cookie cutter) to chop out circles of the semolina dough.

Tip: Barely moist the instrument with some water to stop the dough from sticking.

10) Prepare the dough circles in barely overlapping strains in a buttered or oiled baking or gratin dish.

11) Soften the remaining butter in a saucepan. Let it cool barely, then pour it over the dough circles. Then sprinkle over a beneficiant quantity of the grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or extra Parmigiano Reggiano).

12) Bake in a preheated oven at 390°F (200°C) or beneath the grill till the gnocchi are properly browned.

12) Let the gnocchi relaxation for a couple of minutes, then serve within the baking dish.

Storage and Leftovers

This dish holds up nicely within the fridge and even the freezer.

• Fridge: Cool any leftover gnocchi to room temperature. As soon as cooled, wrap the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap, or switch the gnocchi to an hermetic container. They are going to then keep contemporary within the fridge for about 3-4 days.
• Reheating: While you’re able to benefit from the leftovers, you possibly can reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) till heated all through. Alternatively, you possibly can warmth them within the microwave, although the oven technique will preserve a greater texture.
• Freezer: If you wish to retailer the gnocchi for an extended interval, they are often frozen. Simply make sure that they’re cooled and transferred to an appropriate freezer-safe container or bag. Correctly saved, these gnocchi can last as long as 6 months within the freezer. To reheat, thaw them within the fridge in a single day earlier than following the oven reheating directions.

Different traditional recipes from Rome.

When you do do that gnocchi alla Romana recipe, I’d love to listen to what you assume. Please write a remark right here on the weblog or put up a touch upon the Pasta Undertaking Fb web page.

Your suggestions means loads to me!

Buon Appetito!

Pin for Later:

If you’re thinking about studying how you can make do-it-yourself pasta and various kinds of gnocchi, take a look at my store web page for some nice video on-line programs from my associates in Rome! Nothing beats studying to make pasta from Italians! Plus whilst you’re there why not order a duplicate of my autumn/winter pasta recipes cookbook!?