Beetroot Gnocchetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Stracciatella
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked Beetroot | 200g |
All-purpose Flour (00 type) | 300g |
Grana Padano DOP | 50g |
Egg | 1 |
Stracciatella Cheese | To taste |
Fine Salt | To taste |
Fresh Basil | To taste |
Cherry Tomatoes | 200g |
Sugar | To taste |
Oregano | To taste |
Extra Virgin Olive Oil | To taste |
Black Pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes:
Start by washing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and drying them with a paper towel. Slice them in half and arrange them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Sprinkle the tomatoes with sugar, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Add a dash of oregano for fragrance. -
Roast the Tomatoes:
Place the tray in the oven and roast at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, until the tomatoes become soft and slightly caramelized, creating a beautiful “confit” effect. -
Prepare the Beetroot Gnocchetti Dough:
While the tomatoes are roasting, place the cooked beetroot in a blender or food processor and pulse until you get a smooth puree. Transfer the beetroot puree to a large mixing bowl, then gradually add part of the flour and the Grana Padano. Beat in the egg and continue mixing until fully combined. -
Form the Dough:
Continue kneading the dough by hand, adding the remaining flour in small increments until the dough becomes soft, elastic, and no longer sticky. If necessary, sprinkle a bit more flour to ensure the dough is workable. Divide the dough into two portions and roll each portion into a long, even log (called a “salsicciotto”). Dust the logs with flour and place them on a floured tray. -
Cook the Gnocchetti:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cut the dough logs into small, bite-sized gnocchetti pieces. Drop the gnocchetti into the boiling water, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once the gnocchetti rise to the surface of the water, they are ready to be removed. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a bowl. -
Combine and Serve:
By now, the roasted cherry tomatoes will be ready. Gently toss the beetroot gnocchetti with the warm, confit tomatoes, and drizzle with a little more extra virgin olive oil. Finish the dish by adding fresh basil leaves and a generous dollop of creamy stracciatella cheese on top for added richness. -
Final Touches:
Season with extra salt and pepper to taste, and serve your Beetroot Gnocchetti with Cherry Tomatoes and Stracciatella immediately. The combination of vibrant beetroot-flavored gnocchetti, sweet roasted tomatoes, and the creamy, fresh stracciatella is sure to delight your guests and elevate your next meal.
Enjoy your beautiful, flavorful dish that brings together earthy beetroot, creamy cheese, and the freshness of basil, perfect for any occasion!