Siracusa is a coastal city located in the southeastern part of Sicily. It boasts amazing architecture, ancient ruins, and fresh seafood. The region has a bounty of herbs, spices and vegetables, all of which come together to create a culinary masterpiece that can be called the New Potato Gnocchetti.
This dish features an essential element of potatoes that is used to make small, round dumplings that are boiled until tender and lightly tossed in a brown butter sauce. These dumplings are soft, pillowy, and melt in your mouth.
The Siracusan chefs have taken the traditional Gnocchetti recipe and added layers of depth and flavors to it, making it an unforgettable dish. What sets this dish apart is the addition of mackerel, a fish that has a slightly sharp but flavorful taste that pairs perfectly with the buttery gnocchetti. Mackerel is first smoked and birchwood aged, giving a smoky and savory taste to the dish.
Montasio Fennel Julienne is added to complement the dish while also adding crunchy texture. Montasio is an Italian cheese that is extremely versatile and can be used in various dishes, but it’s particularly delightful when paired with smoked mackerel. The fennel is finely julienned, which means it’s thinly sliced into strips. It adds an anise flavor to the dish, which perfectly balances the smokiness of the fish.
DOP is another essential ingredient that elevates this dish. It stands for Denominazione di Origine Protetta, which refers to a product’s place of origin, quality, and authenticity. In this dish, DOP is used to refer to tomatoes that originate from specific regions within Italy. The tomatoes used in this dish are sun-ripened, which contributes to the saltiness of the dish, making it even more flavorsome.
Lastly, almond granules are sprinkled on top of the dish, which adds a sweet crunch. Almonds are native to Sicily, and managing to bring in the element of the island’s nuts to a dish with completely different components is no small feat. The almonds are crushed and sprinkled to add texture as well as a subtle, nutty sweetness to the dish.
In conclusion, Siracusa’s New Potato Gnocchetti is a masterpiece that encapsulates the flavors of the city. The combination of the buttery gnocchetti, smoky mackerel, Montasio Fennel Julienne, ripe DOP tomatoes, and almond granules culminates into a dish that is both wholesome and flavorsome. The subtle flavors of the mackerel go beautifully with the smoky Gnocchetti, but it’s the addition of the Montasio Fennel Julienne, DOP, and almond granules that take this dish to the next level. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared for a special weekend dinner or for guests. The Siracusan Gnocchetti is truly a gem among Italian dishes – one that satisfies your taste buds and soul. Try it for yourself, and you won’t be disappointed.