Porcini Saffron Sauce For Gnocchi Recipes

PORCINI GNOCCHI

Steps:

• For the gnocchi: Put the porcini in a large bowl and add enough hot water to cover the porcini. Allow the porcini to soak for a few minutes or until soft. Then finely chop the porcini to a paste-like consistency.
• On a work table, peel and mash the potatoes with the back of a fork or use a potato ricer. Add the porcini to the mashed potatoes and then add the flour, Parmigiano, salt, and pepper. Combine together and knead until the mixture becomes regular dough consistency, smooth and slightly sticky. Add more flour if needed, which will absorb any excess moisture.
• On a lightly-floured work surface, take pieces of the dough and roll them out into thin logs, approximately 1/2-inches thick. Cut them 1-inch long.
• Make the ridges on each gnocchi by using the back of a fork in a rolling action.
• Cook's Note: The imprints will allow the sauce to get trapped on the surface of the gnocchi.
• Put the gnocchi on a tray in a single layer and place a cloth over the top to prevent them from drying out. They may also be set in refrigerator or freezer until needed.
• Cook the gnocchi in a pot of boiling salted water for about 1 to 2 minutes or until they float to the surface.
• For the sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the fresh sage leaves. Remove the gnocchi from the boiling water with a slotted spoon or drain and add them directly to the saucepan with about 1/2 cup pasta water. Cook the gnocchi with the sauce for about 30 seconds and then remove them from the heat. Add the Parmigiano and mix well. Plate and serve.

GNOCCHI AND PORK BOLOGNESE SAUCE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Bake the potatoes in their skins until fork tender, 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and slice the potatoes open to cool the insides. After cooling, scoop out the potatoes and discard the skins. Run the potatoes through a ricer or food mill into a large bowl. (If you don't have a ricer, thoroughly mash the potatoes by hand with a masher.) Add the flour, egg yolks, garlic, herbs and a pinch of salt to the processed potatoes. Mix by hand until you have a pliable ball of dough. The flour might need to be adjusted at this time. If so, add a small amount at a time until the dough is smooth and pliable. (Do not over mix or you will get a tough dough.)
• Lightly flour a flat surface and portion the dough into 6 equal parts. Take 1 part and roll it out gently with your hands until you have a log about 3/4-inch in diameter. Carefully roll the log with your fingertips while exerting the lightest pressure outwards, not down, to draw the dough out, until you have a 10-inch log. The dough can then be sliced into 1-inch pieces and placed on a floured pan or wax paper. Repeat until all the dough has been rolled out and cut. (Once the gnocchi is portioned, it can be frozen. Place the gnocchi on the floured pan in the freezer and let set. Remove from the pan and place in a sealed container or bag.)
• In a large saucepan, bring the Bolognese Sauce and heavy cream to a simmer. Bring 6 quarts of water to a boil and drop 20 gnocchi into the water at a time. When the gnocchi float to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon, draining well, and add to the Bolognese Sauce. Repeat with the remaining gnocchi. Continue to cook for 3 minutes in the sauce. Remove with a slotted spoon and portion into serving dishes.
• Heat the oil in a large skillet until warmed. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the wine, onions, and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the peppers, tomatoes, basil, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a slow rolling simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the cream and warm through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

GNOCCHI WITH CREAMY TOMATO-PORCINI SAUCE

Steps:

• Place porcini in medium bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over. Let stand until porcini are soft, about 30 minutes. Remove porcini from water, reserving soaking liquid. Finely chop porcini.
• Melt butter in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add porcini and sauté 3 minutes. Add cream and 3/4 cup soaking liquid, leaving any sediment behind in bowl. Simmer until liquid is reduced to 3/4 cup, stirring occasionally, about 4 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce; bring to simmer. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill. Bring to simmer before using.)
• Cook gnocchi in large pot of boiling salted water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain.
• Add gnocchi to sauce and toss to coat. Divide among 4 plates. Serve, passing Parmesan separately.