Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
A classic Sorrentine dish featuring tender potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with creamy mozzarella and fresh basil.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Potatoes(Starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold work best.)
- 300 g All-purpose flour(Plus more for dusting.)
- 1 Large egg(Lightly beaten.)
- 500 ml Good quality tomato sauce(Passata or a simple marinara sauce.)
- 250 g Fresh mozzarella di bufala(Drained and torn into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1 bunch Fresh basil leaves(About 15-20 leaves, plus extra for garnish.)
- 50 g Parmesan cheese(Grated, optional, for topping.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(For sautéing, optional.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced, optional, for sauce.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Wash the potatoes and boil them in their skins in salted water until fork-tender, about 30-40 minutes. Drain well and peel while still hot. Pass the hot potatoes through a potato ricer or mash them thoroughly until smooth. Let them cool slightly.
⏱️ 40 minutes - 2
Make the gnocchi dough: On a clean work surface, create a well in the riced potatoes. Add the lightly beaten egg and about half of the flour. Gradually incorporate the flour into the potatoes using your hands or a bench scraper, until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Add more flour gradually, only as needed, until the dough is cohesive but still tender. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this will result in tough gnocchi.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Shape the gnocchi: Lightly flour your work surface. Divide the dough into 4-6 portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1.5-2 cm (about 3/4 inch) in diameter. Cut the ropes into 2 cm (about 3/4 inch) pieces. You can leave them as pillows or roll them gently over a gnocchi board or the tines of a fork to create ridges, which help hold the sauce.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 4
Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the gnocchi in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until the gnocchi float to the surface, which indicates they are done. This usually takes 2-4 minutes. Remove the cooked gnocchi with a slotted spoon and set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Prepare the sauce (optional enhancement): While the gnocchi cook, gently warm the tomato sauce in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. If using, sauté minced garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil until fragrant, then add the tomato sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in most of the fresh basil leaves, torn.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 6
Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). In a baking dish, gently toss the cooked gnocchi with the warm tomato sauce. Distribute the torn mozzarella pieces evenly over the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese, if using. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Serve: Let the gnocchi alla Sorrentina rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use starchy potatoes for the best gnocchi texture.
- ✓Don't overwork the dough; handle it gently to keep the gnocchi light and tender.
- ✓Ensure your water is well-salted for boiling the gnocchi.
- ✓Fresh mozzarella di bufala melts beautifully and adds a wonderful creaminess.
- ✓Taste and adjust seasoning of the sauce before assembling.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the gnocchi dough for extra flavor.
- Incorporate a few tablespoons of ricotta cheese into the sauce for a richer texture.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or pancetta to the sauce.