Gnocchi alla Romana

Roman Style Semolina Gnocchi

With the cold nights approaching why don’t you give this comforting vegetarian dish a go. Tonight, I made Gnocchi alla Romana - made with semolina.

Now, you may remember semolina pudding from your school dinners, and it might not evoke fond memories, but I can guarantee you, in this dish, it will taste super-delicious. With just a few simple ingredients you can create a very comforting and substantial meal for you and your family.

My gnocchi are made without egg yolks as I don’t see the need for them since the dish is already rich enough. I’ve decided to serve them with my quick tomato sauce - or they can be served with a mixed salad or just on its own.

Mangia, mangia! 👩🏻‍🍳

 Gnocchi alla romana recipe:

1 litre milk (semi or whole)
1tsp salt – pepper to taste
Nutmeg
250g semolina (coarse)
50g butter
50/60g parmesan cheese plus extra for sprinkling on top

Serves 4-6
1. Add the milk to the pan and grate in some nutmeg, salt and pepper letting the milk simmer then slowly add in the semolina whisking all the time.
2. At some point you won’t be able to whisk anymore so get a wooden spoon and continuing stirring I would say this will take approximately 8 to 10 minutes (takes a bit of elbow grease but will be totally worth it!)
3. Stir in half the butter and all the grated parmesan cheese. Take off the heat and taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.
4. The mixture will easily come away from the pan when you’re pouring it into a lined (parchment/greaseproof paper) baking tin about 20x30 cm. Spread the mixture evenly across and let it cool completely for approximately 30 minutes.
5. Heat oven to gas mark 7.
6. Cut out rounds of the semolina using a cookie cutter or a glass of 4cm.
7. Arrange the rounds in an oven proof dish (about 30cm wide) overlapping each other.

8. Dot with remaining butter and then sprinkle with grated parmesan and place in the oven for approximately 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.
9. Whilst the dish is in the oven, you can make my quick tomato sauce to go with it.
10. Serve as a main with my homemade tomato sauce or a with a salad, or as side dish.

Quick tomato sauce recipe:

1 tin of chopped tomatoes (400g)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove crushed
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp sugar

1. Add oil, garlic and crushed pepper flakes(optional) in a cold pan and over a medium heat stir for a minute.
2. Add the tomatoes, stir, then add in the salt and sugar.
3. Cook for about 10 mins stirring occasionally on a low/medium heat.
4. Taste and add more salt if needed.