Gnocchi della Val Varaita
Category: First Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Red potatoes | 1 kg |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 250 g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Toma Piemontese cheese | 100 g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 50 g |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Semolina | To dust |
| Butter | 50 g |
| Fresh liquid cream | 250 g |
| Raschera DOP cheese | 150 g |
| Butter (for browning) | To taste |
Instructions:
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Begin by boiling the red potatoes for 30-40 minutes until soft. Use a fork to check their doneness. Once cooked, peel the hot potatoes and press them through a potato ricer, spreading them out on a clean work surface.
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To the potatoes, add grated Parmigiano Reggiano and Toma Piemontese cheese, and season with a pinch of fine salt. Begin mixing and kneading the dough. You should aim for a soft, yet non-sticky consistency.
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Form the dough into small rolls or “logs” of about 1.5 cm in thickness. Cut these rolls into small, even pieces (about 1.5 cm each). Place the pieces on a clean kitchen towel dusted with semolina to prevent them from sticking.
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Cut the Raschera DOP cheese into small cubes of approximately 1 cm. Set aside for later use.
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For the sauce, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Stir for about 30 seconds, then add the fresh cream. Let the mixture simmer on low heat until the cheese has fully melted and combined with the cream.
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Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water. Once the gnocchi float to the surface, let them cook for about another minute before transferring them to the pan with the cheese and cream sauce. Allow the gnocchi to simmer for a minute more to absorb the flavors. If necessary, add a bit of the cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
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While the gnocchi is simmering, prepare the browned butter: melt the butter on low heat, allowing it to cook slowly until it turns a golden brown. This will create a rich, nutty flavor that will enhance your gnocchi.
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To finish, serve the gnocchi topped with the melted Raschera DOP cubes, drizzled with the browned butter, and garnished with a sprinkle of black pepper.
Enjoy your Gnocchi della Val Varaita with its rich, creamy sauce and deliciously indulgent cheese! The combination of melted cheeses and perfectly tender gnocchi creates a comforting and satisfying dish. Perfect for a cozy meal with loved ones!
