Italian recipes
  1. Home
  2. Recipe types
  3. Cheese main dishes
  4. Gnocchi Roman style
Cheese main dishes

Gnocchi Roman style

⏱ 20 min🍳 25 min👤 6 pp★★☆☆☆

The Italian national cuisine is an incredible source of culinary inventiveness: fascinating and varied, it’s full of creative recipes typical of one region and quite different from those in another. In many cases, the origin of certain dishes is disputed between different locales, each claiming to be the original ‘parent’ of a certain dish. One of these classic examples of Italian culinary pride is offered by the famous Roman-style gnocchi: this dish made of semolina would, according to some, be too rich in butter to be a typical dish of the capital. We have not investigated this issue thoroughly enough to pass judgment, and in all honesty we would actually simply prefer to suggest lovely recipes to be shared with your nearest and dearest. Would you like to try your hand at this Italian classic which will brighten up your dining table? Follow our recipe carefully, pay attention to the tips, and you will be sure to get an excellent result.

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
18g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
32g
Fiber
0g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
25 minutes Active time
Serves 6 persons
★★☆☆☆ Medium difficulty

Preparation

Bring a litre of milk to the boil in a saucepan and grate in a little nutmeg. Add the butter to the milk and let it dissolve. Add salt to the milk but only a little to taste. When the milk boils, add the semolina, stirring well with a whisk. When the semolina and milk is well combined, add the grated parmesan and stir vigorously. Add the egg yolks to the mixture and mix well once again. Spread the seasoned semolina in a baking tin or dish and let it cool. Once cooled, cut out lots of little circles with a pastry cutter. Arrange the semolina circles in a well-oiled baking tin, slightly overlapping one another. Put a bit of butter on each semolina circle. Grate plenty of parmesan over the gnocchi to make a gratin. Also grate a little gruyère cheese to add to the gratin, and then bake for 25 minutes at 200°C until browned.

Tips
Don’t forget to grease your pastry cutter, thus avoiding the possibility of the dough sticking to it after each cut.
Trivia
According to many lovers of Italian food, Roman-style gnocchi isn’t a dish from Lazio, but is from Piedmont: which is correct? Who knows

Step by step

Milk
Milk
**Click on the photos to access full step by step!

Additional information

Roman Gnocchi with Gruyère

One of the tastiest variations of Roman gnocchi is certainly the one that includes Gruyère. This cheese, with its intense and slightly spicy flavor, enriches the preparation, making it even creamier and more flavorful. To make this variation, simply combine the grated Gruyère with the semolina and milk mixture, along with the Parmesan. The melting of the two cheeses will create a stretchy and irresistible consistency. Served with a sprinkle of black pepper and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, Roman gnocchi with Gruyère become a perfect dish for a special dinner or a family Sunday. You should also try them baked in the oven for a crunchy effect on the surface and soft inside, a true delight for the palate.

Lazio-Style Roman Gnocchi

The traditional recipe for Roman gnocchi is a typical dish from Lazio, distinguished by its simplicity and authentic flavor. Made with semolina, milk, and cheese, these gnocchi are baked until golden. The Lazio variation includes local ingredients, such as Pecorino Romano, for an even more intense flavor. Additionally, they can be enriched with a fresh tomato sauce or a meat ragù for a complete and satisfying dish. Lazio-style Roman gnocchi are perfect for celebrating the culinary tradition of the region, bringing to the table a piece of gastronomic history rooted in local culture.

Light Roman Gnocchi without Butter

For those seeking a lighter alternative, Roman gnocchi can be prepared without butter, using skim milk and a bit of olive oil instead. This light version retains the flavor of the original dish while reducing calories and fats. You can also substitute the Parmesan with a lower-fat cheese to make the recipe even more diet-friendly. Light Roman gnocchi without butter are ideal for those following a balanced diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a good plate of gnocchi. Served with a fresh tomato sauce or a light pesto, they will become a healthy and tasty option for any occasion.

Nutritional Benefits of Roman Gnocchi and Approximate Calories

Roman gnocchi, primarily made with semolina and milk, offer several nutritional benefits. Semolina is a good source of complex carbohydrates, ideal for providing long-term energy. Additionally, milk contains high-quality proteins and calcium, essential for bone health. Gnocchi, when made with fresh and quality ingredients, can be a nutritious choice. On average, a serving of Roman gnocchi contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions. For those looking to maintain a balanced diet, it is possible to balance the dish with fresh vegetable sides or salads for a complete and nutritious meal.

Can Roman Gnocchi be Frozen?

The question of whether Roman gnocchi can be frozen is very common among those who love to prepare this dish. The answer is yes, Roman gnocchi can be frozen! It is advisable to do so before baking. After preparing and cutting them, place them on a tray so that they do not touch each other and put them in the freezer. Once solidified, they can be transferred to a food bag and stored for up to three months. When you want to enjoy them, simply bake them directly in the oven without needing to thaw them, adding a few minutes to the cooking time. This solution is perfect for always having a tasty and quick dish to prepare on hand!