Gnocchi alla Romana: A Comforting Italian Classic

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Gnocchi alla Romana

Quick Meal Facts: Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 30 minutes, Time to Stand: 10 minutes, Total Time: 55 minutes, Ease of Cooking: Easy, Servings: 4, Calories per Serving: Approximately 350, Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12, Cuisine: Italian, Course: Main Dish or Side Dish.

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Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Equipment

• Pot, whisk, baking dish, baking paper, and stove

Ingredients

  

• For the Gnocchi
• 1 cup semolina flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese plus extra for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large egg yolks
• For the Topping
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs optional
• 1 tablespoon olive oil optional

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Prepare the Semolina Mixture
• In a large pot, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
• Gradually whisk in the semolina flour, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
• Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape.
• Step 2: Add Cheese and Egg Yolks
• Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat.
• Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and butter until melted and combined.
• Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the egg yolks and mix well. This step helps bind everything together.
• Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
• On a clean, floured surface, pour the semolina mixture and spread it out evenly to about 1/2 inch thick.
• Let it cool completely for about 10 minutes.
• Using a round cutter or knife, cut the gnocchi into circles or squares.
• Step 4: Assemble the Gnocchi
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
• Arrange the shaped gnocchi in the dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
• Sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
• Step 5: Bake
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Gnocchi alla Romana is a delightful Italian dish that offers a unique twist on traditional gnocchi. Unlike the potato version, this dish uses semolina flour, resulting in a creamy, cheesy texture that melts in your mouth. It’s incredibly versatile and can be served as a main dish, a side, or even a base for other ingredients. Let me show you how I make this fantastic dish, which is sure to impress your family and friends.

Notes on What to Expect

Gnocchi alla Romana will be creamy and cheesy with a satisfying crust on top. It can be served plain or topped with a variety of sauces, making it a perfect dish for both casual dinners and special occasions. The first bite will reveal a delightful texture that is both soft and slightly crispy, leaving you wanting more. From my own personal experience, Gnocchi alla Romana is not only easy to prepare but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. It’s a dish that can be tailored to fit any occasion or taste preference. Enjoy making this classic Italian dish.

Quick Meal Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350
• Cost of Ingredients: $8-$12
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Main Dish or Side Dish
• Equipment Needed: Pot, whisk, baking dish, baking paper, and stove

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Gnocchi alla Romana  here 

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi

• 1 cup semolina flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 large egg yolks

For the Topping

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Gnocchi alla Romana  here 

Method: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Semolina Mixture

1. In a large pot, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Gradually whisk in the semolina flour, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Stir continuously to prevent lumps.
3. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens into a smooth paste. You want it to be thick enough to hold its shape.

Step 2: Add Cheese and Egg Yolks

1. Once thickened, remove the pot from the heat.
2. Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and butter until melted and combined.
3. Let the mixture cool slightly, then add the egg yolks and mix well. This step helps bind everything together.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

1. On a clean, floured surface, pour the semolina mixture and spread it out evenly to about 1/2 inch thick.
2. Let it cool completely for about 10 minutes.
3. Using a round cutter or knife, cut the gnocchi into circles or squares.

Step 4: Assemble the Gnocchi

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Grease a baking dish with butter or oil.
3. Arrange the shaped gnocchi in the dish, overlapping slightly if necessary.
4. Sprinkle with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
2. Once done, remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.

Variations and Tips

• Add Vegetables: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
• Meat Lovers: For a heartier dish, add cooked ground meat or sausage into the layers.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond milk or any other non-dairy option, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free semolina or a gluten-free flour blend.

Check out the right equipment and Ingredients that you need for making  Gnocchi alla Romana  here 

Nutritional Information

• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 6g

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
• If the gnocchi don’t hold their shape, try adding another egg yolk to help bind the mixture.

From my own personal experience, Gnocchi alla Romana is not only easy to prepare but also allows for creativity in the kitchen. It’s a dish that can be tailored to fit any occasion or taste preference. Enjoy making this classic Italian dish.