Best Easy Gnocchi alla Romana Recipe

Semolina discs baked with butter and Parmigiano in this Roman vegetarian classic. A unique mediterranean comfort food that's family-friendly and different from traditional potato gnocchi.

Cook 45 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #family-friendly #comfort food
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • semolina flour 1 cup
  • milk 2 cups
  • unsalted butter 4 tbsp
  • egg yolks 2 pieces
  • Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • nutmeg 0.25 tsp
  • salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 38 g 47%
Protein 12 g 15%
Fat 13 g 38%
Serving size 175g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 425°F and grease a baking dish with 1 tbsp of butter.

  2. 2

    Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat; when steaming, slowly add semolina flour in a thin stream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

  3. 3

    Cook the semolina mixture, stirring vigorously, until thickened and beginning to pull away from the pan, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Stir in egg yolks, half the Parmigiano-Reggiano, nutmeg, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth and well combined.

  5. 5

    Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined surface about 0.5-inch thick. Let cool, then cut into 2-inch discs using a round cutter or glass.

  6. 6

    Arrange the discs slightly overlapping in the buttered baking dish. Dot the top with remaining butter and sprinkle with the rest of the Parmigiano-Reggiano.

  7. 7

    Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The core ingredient in Gnocchi alla Romana is semolina flour. Its unique texture and subtle flavor set this dish apart from other types of gnocchi, creating soft discs with rich buttery and cheesy notes.
Q. Which ingredient makes the biggest difference in flavor?
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is crucial for the savory, umami-rich crust and flavor that defines this recipe. Combined with butter, it forms a golden, crispy topping that's essential to the dish's identity.
Q. What is a key cooking point for success?
One important step is whisking the semolina flour into hot milk gradually, avoiding lumps. Heat control is vital: cook over medium heat and stir constantly for a smooth, thick mixture that forms the base of the gnocchi discs.
Q. How do I avoid a soggy texture?
Make sure to cook the semolina mixture until it's thick enough to pull away from the sides of the pan. After cutting and arranging the discs, baking at high heat will ensure a golden, crisp exterior while keeping the inside creamy.
Q. How many calories and what is the carb-to-protein ratio per serving?
Each serving provides about 320 kcal, with 38g carbohydrates (47%), 12g protein (15%), and 13g fat (38%). This balance delivers comforting energy with moderate protein, ideal for vegetarian and Mediterranean diets.
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