What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of potatoes
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups of tomato sauce
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Start by boiling the potatoes until they are tender. This usually takes about 20-25 minutes. Once cooked, drain and allow them to cool slightly before peeling and mashing them.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, flour, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until the dough comes together and becomes soft but not sticky. Be careful not to overmix.
3. On a floured surface, divide the dough into small portions and roll each portion into long ropes, around 1-inch thick. Cut the ropes into bite-sized pieces, approximately 1-inch in length. This will be the classic gnocchi shape.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and let them cook until they float to the surface. It usually takes around 2-3 minutes. Once they’re floating, remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
5. In a separate saucepan, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce and arrange half of the cooked gnocchi on top. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the gnocchi. Repeat this process with the remaining ingredients.
7. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese has melted and turned golden brown.
8. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Tips and Variations
– To enhance the flavor, you can add minced garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce.
– Gnocchi alla Sorrentina pairs well with a variety of toppings such as fresh cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy pancetta.
– If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought gnocchi instead of making them from scratch. Just follow the package instructions for cooking.
– For a vegetarian option, simply omit the pancetta and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
Now that you know how to make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, it’s time to let your taste buds embark on a journey through the rich flavors of Italy. Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to delight your loved ones with this classic dish. Buon appetito!