Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: A Deliciously Rustic Italian Comfort Food

If you’re a fan of Italian comfort food, then Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a dish you absolutely must try. This classic dish from the Sorrento region of Italy combines pillowy, soft gnocchi with a rich tomato sauce, gooey melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s the epitome of rustic Italian cooking—simple yet utterly delicious.

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is perfect for cozy dinners, special gatherings, or when you want to impress your guests with an authentic, flavorful meal. Whether you’re preparing homemade gnocchi from scratch or buying pre-made gnocchi, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. The combination of baked gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

In this article, we’ll dive into the origins of gnocchi Sorrentina, provide a step-by-step guide for making this delicious dish, and offer variations on traditional gnocchi recipes. Whether you’re a fan of gnocchi dishes or just getting into rustic cooking, you’ll find all the tips and tricks you need to make the perfect gnocchi alla Sorrentina.

The Origin of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Gnocchi alla Sorrentina hails from the stunning region of Sorrento, located on the Amalfi Coast of Italy. Known for its lush landscapes, Mediterranean climate, and beautiful coastline, Sorrento is also renowned for its traditional Italian dishes, particularly those made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

The dish itself features gnocchi, which are small, soft dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and egg. These dumplings are then baked in a rich tomato sauce, usually topped with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan, and finished with a few fresh basil leaves. The result is a warm, comforting dish that’s full of flavor—perfect for a cozy Italian dinner party or a simple meal at home.

Key Ingredients for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Making gnocchi alla Sorrentina is relatively simple and requires just a handful of ingredients. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, relying on high-quality ingredients to bring out the best flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Gnocchi:

• 2 pounds (900g) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work best)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh, ripe tomatoes, finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (cubed or torn into pieces)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Making gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a delightful process that brings together the joy of homemade gnocchi with the comforting richness of a classic tomato sauce. While it may seem a bit time-consuming, the effort is worth it for the mouthwatering result. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this Italian comfort food.

Step 1: Make the Gnocchi (Homemade Gnocchi)

Making gnocchi from scratch is surprisingly easy and adds a personal touch to your dish. Here’s how you can make gnocchi homemade:

1. Boil the Potatoes: Start by placing your potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil and cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
2. Peel the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are done, drain them and let them cool slightly. While still warm, peel off the skins using a towel or your hands. It’s important to work with the potatoes while they’re still warm, as this will prevent them from becoming too starchy.
3. Mash the Potatoes: Mash the peeled potatoes using a potato masher or potato ricer. You want a smooth, lump-free texture.
4. Make the Dough: Transfer the mashed potatoes to a clean surface and form a well in the center. Add the flour, egg, and salt into the well and gently mix together. Use your hands to bring the dough together, kneading it lightly. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it to remain light and airy.
5. Form the Gnocchi: Once the dough is smooth and cohesive, divide it into several portions. Roll each portion into a long rope, about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the ropes into small, bite-sized pieces.
6. Shape the Gnocchi: You can leave the gnocchi as simple pillows, or use a fork to gently press on each piece, creating small ridges. These ridges help hold the sauce when baking.
7. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Once the gnocchi float to the top (this should take 2-3 minutes), remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside. Be sure to reserve a little bit of the pasta water to help thicken the sauce later if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce

While the gnocchi are cooking, you can prepare the rich, flavorful sauce that will bring the dish together:

1. Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
2. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes if using) and stir to combine. Add sugar (optional), salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
3. Add Fresh Basil: Once the sauce has thickened, add in the fresh basil. Stir to combine, and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more sugar as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Now that your homemade gnocchi and sauce are ready, it’s time to assemble your gnocchi alla Sorrentina:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Then, carefully layer your cooked gnocchi on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the gnocchi, ensuring all the pieces are coated in the tomato sauce.
3. Add Mozzarella: Scatter the fresh mozzarella over the top of the gnocchi, making sure each piece is covered. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan for an added layer of cheesy richness.
4. Bake: Drizzle the top with a little olive oil and place the dish in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once your gnocchi alla Sorrentina is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the dish with a side of crusty bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce and melted cheese, and enjoy this comforting, rustic Italian dish.

Variations of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

While gnocchi alla Sorrentina is traditionally made with just a simple tomato sauce and cheese, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Vegetarian Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: You can add a variety of vegetables to the dish for added flavor and texture. Consider incorporating sautéed spinach, zucchini, or eggplant to the sauce for a more hearty and nutritious dish.
2. Meat-Lover’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: For a meatier twist, add ground beef, Italian sausage, or prosciutto to the sauce. Brown the meat in the pan before adding the tomatoes and other ingredients to create a rich, savory sauce.
3. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with Mushrooms: For a more earthy flavor, add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce. Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the tomato and cheese, giving the dish a deeper, umami-rich flavor.
4. Spicy Gnocchi alla Sorrentina: Add a little red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick. The heat will balance beautifully with the richness of the cheese and the soft gnocchi.

Gnocchi Recipes: From Homemade to Easy

While gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a great way to enjoy gnocchi, there are many other delicious ways to prepare gnocchi. If you’re looking for more gnocchi recipes homemade, here are a few ideas:

1. Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage: Brown butter and crispy sage leaves create a simple, elegant sauce that perfectly complements the soft texture of homemade gnocchi.
2. Gnocchi with Pesto: Toss the gnocchi in a rich basil pesto sauce for a vibrant, herby dish that’s perfect for summer.
3. Gnocchi in a Creamy Parmesan Sauce: A rich, creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a little garlic turns gnocchi into a luxurious, comforting meal.
4. Gnocchi with Roasted Vegetables: Toss the gnocchi with roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips for a healthy, hearty dish.

Conclusion: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina—The Ultimate Italian Comfort Food

There’s no better way to enjoy Italian comfort food than with a dish like gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This rustic, satisfying dish brings together soft, homemade gnocchi, a rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, creating a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for an Italian dinner party, making it as a weekend treat, or simply enjoying it on a cozy weeknight, gnocchi alla Sorrentina is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home.

By following these simple steps for making gnocchi from scratch and preparing the classic Sorrentina sauce, you can enjoy a comforting and authentic Italian dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. So gather your ingredients, channel your inner Italian chef, and get ready to serve up a delicious plate of gnocchi alla Sorrentina that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.