Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a dish that will transport you with its flavors to the charming Sorrento, located near Naples. In its composition, you will find handmade gnocchi immersed in an aromatic tomato sauce baked under a blanket of mozzarella cheese. How to prepare this exceptional dish straight from the Amalfi Coast? Discover our recipe!
Ingredients
Gnocchi
- Potato – 500 g
- Italian type 00 flour – 300 g
- Egg – 1 pc.
- Salt – 4 g
Sauce
- Plum tomatoes – 8 pcs.
- Mozzarella – 200 g
- Garlic clove – 2 pcs.
- Olive oil – 30 ml
- Salt – 2 g
- Black pepper – 0.5 g
- Fresh basil – 5 leaves
Preparation
Gnocchi: Step 1: Cook the Potatoes Thoroughly wash the potatoes, then peel them. The next step is to cut them into small cubes and cook them in salted water for about 15-20 minutes. After cooking, the potatoes should not fall apart but be gently soft. Drain the cooked potatoes and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Mash the Potatoes into Purée Put the cooked potatoes in a potato masher, then grate them into smooth purée.
Step 3: Knead the Dough Put the potato purée into a large bowl, then add salt and egg. Mix everything and slowly add flour. Knead the dough by hand for a few minutes, then place it on a floured surface. The dough should be elastic but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape the Gnocchi Divide the dough into two parts, then form a roll from each. Cut both rolls into pieces about 2-2.5 cm thick. If you want to approach the classic style, you can press a fork onto the gnocchi to create a characteristic pattern on their surface.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi Bring water to a boil in a pot, then add the gnocchi. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the cooking water into a cup (about 40 ml), then drain the gnocchi and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Sauce: Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients Peel and finely chop the garlic. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water, then peel them and cut into small cubes. Wash and chop the basil.
Step 2: Sauté the Ingredients Heat olive oil in a pan, then fry the garlic on it. Fry for a while to release its aroma. After a while, add the tomatoes and cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the sauce thickens slightly, season it with salt and pepper. Mix well.
Step 3: Add Basil and Gnocchi Add chopped basil and gnocchi to the simmering tomatoes and mix. The whole mixture should simmer for another 6-7 minutes.
Step 4: Slice the Mozzarella Drain the mozzarella, then slice it into pieces.
Step 5: Bake the Gnocchi Transfer the contents of the pan to a baking dish. Arrange mozzarella slices on top and place in the oven. The casserole should bake for about 15 minutes, and the top layer of cheese should become nicely golden.
Step 6: Serve the Gnocchi Remove the finished casserole from the oven and let it cool for a while. After a few minutes, you can transfer the gnocchi to plates.