Gnocchi alla Romana: A Delicious Italian Comfort Dish
If you’re a fan of traditional Italian cuisine, you’ll fall in love with Gnocchi alla Romana, a comforting and indulgent first course that captures the essence of Italy’s rich culinary history. These gnocchi are not the typical potato-based variety but are instead made with semolina flour, giving them a distinctive texture and flavor. Soft and creamy on the inside with a golden, crispy exterior, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients elevated by the magic of slow cooking and careful attention to detail. Perfect for family dinners or a special meal with friends, these gnocchi are sure to impress.
Recipe Details
- Category: First Courses (Primi Piatti)
- Serves: 5
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
To make this classic dish, you will need the following ingredients. Ensure you have everything on hand before starting, as this recipe relies on the balance of flavors between the butter, cheese, and semolina.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semolina | 250g |
| Whole Milk | 1 liter |
| Butter | 100g |
| Egg Yolks | 2 |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 100g |
| Pecorino Romano | 40g |
| Fine Salt | 7g |
| Nutmeg | To taste (q.b.) |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Calcium | 300mg |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Semolina Mixture
Start by placing the whole milk in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add a knob of butter (approximately 30g), salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Whisk the ingredients together until the butter has completely melted, and the mixture is well combined.
Allow the milk to heat gradually, making sure to stir constantly to prevent any clumps from forming. The milk should not boil but rather come to a gentle simmer. This process takes about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Semolina
Once the milk mixture is warm, slowly add the semolina flour while continuously whisking to avoid the formation of lumps. As you stir, the semolina will begin to thicken. Lower the heat to a simmer and continue cooking the mixture for another 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly until it forms a thick, creamy consistency that pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Step 3: Incorporating the Cheeses and Egg Yolks
Once the semolina has thickened, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Pecorino Romano until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the mixture. Add the egg yolks and stir vigorously until they blend smoothly into the semolina base, ensuring the mixture remains creamy and smooth.
Step 4: Shaping the Gnocchi
To shape the gnocchi, transfer half of the hot semolina mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Using your hands (dipped in cold water to prevent sticking), form the mixture into a smooth, even cylinder, approximately 4–5 cm in diameter. Repeat this process with the second half of the mixture.
Once both rolls are formed, wrap them tightly in the parchment paper and allow them to cool at room temperature. This step is essential for ensuring the gnocchi hold their shape and can be sliced neatly.
Step 5: Cutting the Gnocchi
After the rolls have cooled and solidified, unroll them from the parchment paper. With a sharp knife (dipped in water to make cutting easier), slice the rolls into approximately 40 even pieces. Each piece should be a round disk, roughly 1.5–2 cm thick.
Step 6: Baking the Gnocchi
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a baking dish with butter and arrange the gnocchi disks in a single layer. Sprinkle the top with additional Pecorino Romano for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, or until the gnocchi are golden and crisp on the top. The edges should be slightly caramelized, while the interior remains soft and creamy.
Step 7: Serving the Gnocchi alla Romana
Once baked, remove the gnocchi from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These gnocchi are best enjoyed immediately, paired with a light salad or a hearty meat sauce. They also make a perfect side dish to complement a roast or grilled meats.
Pro Tips for Perfect Gnocchi alla Romana
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Texture Matters: The key to the perfect gnocchi texture is ensuring the semolina mixture thickens properly. If it’s too thin, the gnocchi won’t hold together. If it’s too thick, the gnocchi will be too dense. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape but not dry.
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Cool Down Time: Don’t skip the cooling step. Allowing the semolina mixture to cool completely makes it easier to shape and slice the gnocchi. It also helps the flavors set in.
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Customize Your Cheese: While Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romano are the traditional choices, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Grana Padano for a milder taste.
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Browning for Perfection: For an extra touch of flavor, you can melt a little butter in a pan and lightly sauté the gnocchi after baking. This gives them a richer, more golden finish.
Why You’ll Love Gnocchi alla Romana
Gnocchi alla Romana is an excellent choice for those seeking comfort food with an Italian twist. The combination of semolina, cheese, and butter creates a luxurious, rich dish that’s still simple to make. The texture is unlike any other gnocchi, with a satisfying crispiness on the outside and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth center.
The dish is versatile, too. You can enjoy it as a standalone meal or serve it as a side to roasted meats, grilled vegetables, or even a fresh tomato sauce. It’s one of those dishes that gets better with each bite, offering a comforting and indulgent experience.
Nutritional Insights
Gnocchi alla Romana offers a balanced serving of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, with the richness of cheese adding a dose of calcium and healthy fats. While delicious and indulgent, it’s perfect for special occasions or as part of a hearty family meal. For a lighter option, you can reduce the amount of butter and cheese, but part of the charm of this dish is in its creamy texture and cheesy goodness.
Enjoy your homemade Gnocchi alla Romana!
This dish is a perfect way to experience the true flavors of Italian comfort food. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy with your loved ones and savor the delicious textures and flavors that only an authentic Italian dish can provide.
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Explore more comforting Italian recipes on Love With Recipes and bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen today!
