Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian dish from the Campania region, particularly from Sorrento. It consists of soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and then finished in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious dish:

Ingredients

• For the gnocchi:
  • 2 pounds (900g) potatoes (preferably russet or other starchy potatoes)
  • 1 cup (130g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • Salt
• For the sauce:
  • 2 cups (500ml) tomato passata (pureed tomatoes)
  • 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves
• For assembling:
  • 1 1/2 cups (150g) mozzarella, shredded or cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the gnocchi:
   1. Boil the potatoes in their skins until tender. Drain and let them cool slightly, then peel.
   2. Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them until smooth.
   3. Place the mashed potatoes on a floured surface, make a well in the center, and add the beaten egg and a pinch of salt.
   4. Gradually add the flour, kneading gently until you have a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   5. Divide the dough into several portions and roll each one into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. Optionally, you can roll each piece over the tines of a fork to create ridges.
   6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce:
   1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
   2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
   3. Add the tomato passata and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
   4. Add fresh basil leaves towards the end of the cooking time.
3. Assemble the dish:
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce.
   3. Add a layer of gnocchi, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
   4. Repeat the layers until all the gnocchi and sauce are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese on top.
   5. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve:
   • Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Enjoy your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina!