Gnocchetti Sardi alla Contadina
Category: First Course (Primi Piatti)
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Gnocchetti Sardi | 400g |
| Spanish Beans (Fagioli di Spagna) | 400g |
| Smoked Pancetta | 75g |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 30g |
| Onion | 50g |
| Rosemary | 1 sprig |
| Sage | 5 leaves |
| Tomato Passata | 200g |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
Instructions
To make the Gnocchetti Sardi alla Contadina, begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. While the water is heating, prepare the ingredients.
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Prepare the aromatics: Peel and finely chop the onion. In a wide skillet, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil and heat over low-medium. Add the whole garlic clove and allow it to infuse the oil until it turns golden. Once the garlic is golden, remove it and discard. Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté, stirring occasionally to avoid burning, for about 5 minutes.
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Add herbs and pancetta: While the onion is cooking, finely chop the rosemary and sage. If you’d like to decorate your dish with a fresh rosemary sprig, set it aside for later. Add the chopped rosemary and sage to the skillet with the onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the herbs to release their fragrant oils.
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Cook the pancetta: Slice the pancetta into thin strips and add them to the skillet. Stir to combine and let the pancetta cook for about 12 minutes, allowing it to render its fat and crisp up slightly.
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Cook the beans and tomato sauce: Add the Spanish beans to the skillet along with the tomato passata. Season with a pinch of black pepper. Stir everything together, letting the flavors meld as the mixture simmers gently for another 5 minutes.
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Boil the gnocchetti: While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchetti sardi in the boiling salted water according to the package instructions, typically around 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. For the best texture, cook the gnocchetti al dente.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Once the gnocchetti are cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer them directly into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together, making sure the gnocchetti are well coated with the rich tomato, pancetta, and bean sauce. Allow the pasta to soak up some of the flavorful sauce for about 2 minutes.
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Serve: Plate the gnocchetti sardi while hot. Garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy the rustic, hearty flavors of this traditional Gnocchetti Sardi alla Contadina, an authentic Italian first course that’s perfect for any meal. The tender gnocchetti paired with savory pancetta, fragrant herbs, and beans in a rich tomato sauce make this dish a family favorite.
