Romeri’s Gnocchi & Sauce: A Taste of the Italian Heritage from St. Louis’ “Hill” Area
Living in the heart of St. Louis, surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the “Hill” area, where Italian traditions thrive, I’ve been fortunate to embrace the culinary gems generously shared by the local Italian community. Today, I’m excited to bring you a delightful recipe that captures the essence of this vibrant heritage – Romeri’s Gnocchi & Sauce. This cherished recipe, extracted from the St. Louis Cathedral Cookbook, is a testament to the love and tradition that Italian families infuse into their cooking.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 tomato
- 1/2 teaspoon dry basil
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 2457.1
- Fat: 124.6g
- Saturated Fat: 49g
- Cholesterol: 452.4mg
- Sodium: 2845.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 243.6g
- Fiber: 18g
- Sugar: 26.4g
- Protein: 93.8g
Rating: 5/5 (Based on 3 Reviews)
Instructions:
-
Gnocchi Preparation:
-
In the spirit of simplicity and authenticity, start by combining all gnocchi ingredients in a food processor. Allow the ingredients to harmonize into a cohesive dough ball through the gentle dance of the food processor.
-
Once the dough is formed, transfer it onto a generously floured cutting board. Engage in the tactile pleasure of kneading until the dough reaches a firm and elastic consistency, absorbing the essence of each ingredient.
-
Taking a small portion of the dough, embark on a journey of hand-rolling, transforming it into a long, slender strip. Feel the connection to the generations before as you shape each piece with care.
-
Cut the strip into bite-sized treasures, letting them rest gracefully on a tray adorned with waxed paper and a dusting of flour. Repeat this process, creating layers with respect for the craft, ensuring no more than three layers to maintain their individuality.
-
The gnocchi, now an edible work of art, can be frozen directly on trays, covered with foil for future indulgence or proceed to the next step, savoring the freshness.
-
-
Cooking the Gnocchi:
- Whether fresh or frozen, these delicate pillows of joy find their destiny in a pot of boiling, salted water. Treat them like pasta, allowing them to dance in the bubbling embrace until tender – a tactile experience that transcends any strict timer.
-
Sauce Symphony:
-
While the gnocchi waltz in the pot, start the sauce by infusing chopped garlic into a hot olive oil embrace. Let the aromas weave a story of flavors.
-
Introduce the tomatoes and basil to the narrative, allowing them to transform into a thick, saucy masterpiece. Simmer this concoction for a mere 30-45 minutes, a short span that belies the depth of flavor it achieves.
-
-
Assembly and Gratification:
-
As the gnocchi rise to the surface, tender and ready, gently rinse them and prepare for their final act. Cover them generously with the simmering sauce, embracing each piece with the richness of garlic-infused olive oil, sun-kissed tomatoes, and aromatic basil.
-
A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese becomes the curtain call, the finishing touch that elevates this culinary symphony to new heights. Each bite is a celebration of heritage, a nod to the Italian kitchens that have generously shared their love with the St. Louis community.
-
In the spirit of communal joy and culinary exploration, Romeri’s Gnocchi & Sauce invites you to savor not just a meal, but a journey through the flavors of the “Hill” area, where tradition and innovation converge in a delightful dance on your taste buds. Buon Appetito!
