Pork Ragu-Topped Gnocchi Dish
Experience the taste of authentic Italian cuisine with this Gnocchi with Pork Ragu recipe. This dishwill leave you craving for more, trust us!
Gnocchi, little dumplings made from potatoes, flour, and egg, are an excellent alternative to pasta. With origins in ancient Rome, they are a traditional Italian dish often created in homes with their unique flour and sometimes potato mixture. This recipe focuses on preparing flavorful pork pieces covered in a rich savory sauce with a medley of vegetables.
Just like pasta, gnocchi is a neutral type of carbohydrate, making it the perfect partner for well-seasoned meat. By harmonizing their flavors, you can enjoy this dish without either ingredient overpowering the other.
Taste the soft pillows of gnocchi in a decadent pork ragu sauce. Serve this comforting dish as a dinner or weekend lunch for family and friends.
Want to elevate your Italian meal? Start with a Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad or a Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, paired with either a zesty White Spritz Cocktail or a refreshing Lo Scintillante. Finish off with some uplifting Tiramisu or a sweet and chocolatey dessert called the Dulce De Leche Chocolate Dipped Cannoli.
Just a Few Tips:This recipe yields 6 servings and is on the harder side when it comes to difficulty. It will take approximately 2 hours, with 45 minutes of active time.
Ingredients:
- For the Gnocchi
- 4 1/2 pounds Russet potatoes, scrubbed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 eggs
- 2-2 1/2 cups All-Purpose flour
- For the Pork
- 1, 1 1/2-pound boneless pork shoulder (Boston butt), cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
- Salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- Herb bundle (rosemary, oregano, bay leaf) tied with kitchen twine
- 1, 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup dry red wine
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Heat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake until a knife can enter them easily, about 45 minutes to an hour.
- After cooling slightly, peel the potatoes and place them through a ricer or food mill. Add salt, eggs, and enough flour to create a dough that holds its shape but is not too stiff.
- Divide the dough into logs with the width of your thumb and cut into 1-inch lengths. Roll each piece against a fork or grooved board to create the gnocchi shape. Cover gnocchi with a clean dish towel and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat 1/4 cup oil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Cook the pork, turning occasionally, until browned, (10-15 minutes). Transfer to a plate.
- In the same pot, cook the onion, carrot, celery, and garlic until golden brown (8-10 minutes). Tie rosemary, oregano, and bay leaf into a bundle and add it to the pot along with the pork, tomatoes, wine, peppercorns, nutmeg, and cloves. Add water to cover the meat and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer until meat is tender, adding more water as needed (1-1 1/2 hours).
- Discard the herb bundle. Using 2 forks, shred the meat in the pot. Cook uncovered over medium heat until the sauce thickens (8-10 minutes).
- Boil a large pot of lightly salted water. Cook the gnocchi until they rise to the top and are no longer doughy in the center (3 minutes). Do not overcook the gnocchi or they will fall apart.
- Toss the gnocchi with the ragu and garnish with grated parmesan.
Enjoy this culinary journey of homemade gnocchi and rich pork ragù that promises to delight your taste buds!
Delve deeper into Italian culinary artistry by incorporating 'gnocchi' into your nutritional repertoire. Before starting the 'Gnocchi with Pork Ragu' recipe, harmonize flavors by pairing this dish with a complementary side, such as a salad like the 'Panzanella Tuscan Bread Salad', a soup like the 'Chicken and Wild Rice Soup', or a White Spritz Cocktail or Lo Scintillante. Furthermore, elevate your dining experience by concluding your meal with a dessert chosen from options like Tiramisu or the sweet and chocolatey 'Dulce De Leche Chocolate Dipped Cannoli'.
By following the provided instructions with attention to detail and dedication to authentic flavor development, this recipe will create a harmonious balance between gnocchi and pork ragu, a delectable symphony for your taste buds as you embark on this culinary journey.
