Gnocchetti is a type of pasta, shaped like small shells, made from a mixture of semolina flour and water. The dish originates from the town of Dorgali, located in the mountains of Sardinia, where pasta is a staple food item. The use of semolina in gnocchetti gives it a firmer texture, which makes it ideal for pairing with seafood and meat-based sauces.
The grouper is a popular fish in the Mediterranean and is found abundantly in the waters surrounding Sardinia. The fish has a mild, sweet taste and is packed with protein, making it an ideal complement to the savory Sardinian-style tomato sauce that accompanies the gnocchetti.
To make Sardinian gnocchetti with grouper, start by preparing the tomato sauce. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a saucepan, then add garlic and diced onions. Stir the mixture for a few minutes until the onions are translucent, then add a can of crushed tomatoes and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for around 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up.
For the grouper, season the fillets with salt and black pepper, then heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the fish for around 6-7 minutes per side, until it is golden brown and cooked through. Once the fillets are ready, remove them from the heat and set them aside.
Cook the gnocchetti in a large pot of generously salted, boiling water for around 5-6 minutes until they float to the surface. Remove the pasta from the pot using a slotted spoon and transfer it to the pan with the tomato sauce. Add some of the pasta water to the sauce and stir everything together until the gnocchetti is coated in the sauce.
To serve, place some of the Sardinian gnocchetti with tomato sauce on a plate and top it with a piece of the cooked grouper. Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and enjoy the delicious flavors of Sardinia.
In conclusion, Sardinian gnocchetti with grouper is a delicious and wholesome dish that reflects the richness of Sardinian cuisine. The combination of firm, semolina-based gnocchetti with the mildly sweet and savory tomato sauce and the tender, flaky grouper fish is simply irresistible. It’s a dish that is easy to prepare, yet has a complex mix of flavors and textures that will impress your dinner guests. So why not try this traditional Sardinian recipe and experience the magic of its culinary heritage?