October 6, 2020

GNOCCHI ALLA SORRENTINA

Craving something warm and comforting? This easy-peasy recipe of gnocchi alla Sorrentina has got you covered.

A slice of Italy in Your Kitchen

Right now, amid the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I find myself daydreaming about the idyllic island of Capri, where the azure blue sea meets the rugged coastline and the scent of lemon fills the air. This Italian paradise is not only known for its breathtaking beauty but also for its delicious cuisine, including the delectable gnocchi alla Sorrentina I have eaten on a lovely night by the Tyrrhenian sea.

Originating from the town of Sorrento on the Amalfi Coast, this dish is a classic example of Italian comfort food at its finest. The gnocchi, made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, are cooked until tender and then baked with a rich tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil.

The Simplicity of Gnocchi

While making gnocchi from scratch can be a laborious task, there’s no need to fret. You can easily find fresh gnocchi at your local deli, which will make the preparation of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina a breeze. Simply boil the gnocchi until they float to the surface, toss them with the tomato sauce, top with mozzarella, and bake until golden and bubbly.

The History and Origin of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

As you enjoy as I do each bite of your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, you may be wondering about the history of this iconic Italian dish. Gnocchi has been a staple in Italian cuisine since ancient Roman times, with the first written records of the dish dating back to the 14th century made using semolina flour. The town of Sorrento, located on the picturesque Amalfi Coast, is famous for its gnocchi. It is said that the use of fresh mozzarella in the recipe is a nod to the nearby town of Naples, where this creamy cheese is widely produced.

Ghemme Wine: A Taste of Piedmont

But what about the wine pairing? The perfect match for this dish would be for me a red wine from Piemont called Ghemme.

Piedmont, located in northwest Italy, is famous for producing some of the country’s most renowned red wines.

Ghemme is made from the Nebbiolo grape, which is known for producing wines with high tannins, acidity, and aromas of cherry, rose, and tar. The Ghemme DOCG, one of the smallest DOCG appellations in Italy, covers an area of about 60 hectares in the Novara province of Piedmont. The wine is aged for at least three years, with at least one year in oak barrels, which contributes to its complexity and depth.

History and Tradition

The cultivation of the vine in the Ghemme area dates to Roman times, as evidenced by the tombstone of Vibia Erina, freedom of Vibio Crispo, a Roman senator at the time of Tiberius, found near Ghemme. However, winemakers in those times paid more attention to quantity than quality. It was the monks who took on the task of re-establishing good winemaking practices, and their enthusiasm gave excellent results. The wine was largely sold in nearby markets, especially in Milan. In the following centuries, the attention to detail was further increased, leading to the refined and complex Ghemme wine we know today.

The Perfect Dish for a Cozy Night In

So, next time you are in the mood for a taste of Italy, why not try your hand at this easy-peasy dish of gnocchi alla Sorrentina paired with a glass of Ghemme wine?

Indulge in Italian Comfort food

Experience the ultimate comfort food with these gorgeous Italian recipes :

The delicious Tuscan salmon or the iconic tagliatelle al ragu from Bologna!!!

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)