Giada Baked Gnocchi Recipes

GNOCCHI ALLA ROMANA

Steps:

• Lightly oil a small baking sheet. Whisk the stock, semolina flour, and salt in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat until the mixture bubbles and is very thick, about 10 minutes. Beat the egg in a large bowl. Gradually beat the semolina mixture into the egg.
• Transfer the gnocchi mixture to the prepared baking sheet, spreading it to form a 1/2-inch-thick layer. Cover and refrigerate until the gnocchi mixture is cold and firm, at least 1 hour.
• Preheat the broiler. Generously butter a 10-inch-diameter gratin dish. Using a 2-inch-diameter cookie cutter, cut out rounds from the gnocchi mixture. Arrange the gnocchi in the prepared baking/gratin dish, overlapping slightly. Brush the remaining butter over the gnocchi. Sprinkle with the cheese, and pepper, if desired. Broil until the gnocchi are heated through and beginning to brown, about 6 minutes.

GNOCCHI WITH TOMATOES, BASIL AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Cut the baked potato in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; discard the skin. Using a fork mash the potato, salt and pepper together until smooth. Mix in 3 tablespoons of the egg (reserve the remaining egg for another use). Sprinkle the flour over the potato mixture. Stir until the mixture forms a dough. Knead until smooth, 30 seconds.
• On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your palms and the work surface into a 1/2-inch-diameter rope (about 20 inches long). Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece of dough over a wooden paddle with ridges or over the tines of a fork to form grooves in the dough.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the gnocchi and cook until the gnocchi rise to the surface, about 1 minute. Continue cooking until the gnocchi are tender, 1 to 2 minutes longer. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water.
• For the sauce: In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the olives and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi to the skillet and stir until heated through, about 1 minute. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Add the Parmesan and basil. Toss gently until all the ingredients are coated, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce, and serve.

GNOCCHI WITH BUTTER THYME SAUCE

Steps:

• Cook the butter in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat until it begins to brown, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Add the thyme leaves. Set aside.
• Pierce the potato all over with a fork. Microwave the potato until tender, turning once, about 12 minutes. Cut the potato in half and scoop the flesh into a large bowl; discard the skin. Using a fork, mash the potato well. Mash in the salt and pepper. Mix in 3 tablespoons of the egg; discard the remaining egg. Sift the flour over the potato mixture and knead just until blended.
• Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece between your palms and the work surface into a 1/2-inch-diameter rope (about 20 inches long). Cut the dough into 1-inch pieces. Roll each piece of dough over a wooden paddle with ridges or over the tines of a fork to form grooves in the dough.
• Cook the gnocchi in a large pot of boiling salted water until the gnocchi rise to the surface, about 1 minute. Continue cooking until the gnocchi are tender, about 4 minutes longer. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi to the hot thyme-butter in the skillet. Toss to coat.
• Spoon the gnocchi and butter sauce into shallow bowls. Top with the Pecorino and serve.