Gnocchi alla Romana is a traditional type of semolina gnocchi from Rome. They are absolutely divine and a must-try if you have never had them! Make them in one big dish for all the family to tuck into or serve them in individual portions for an elegant starter.
The first time I made these gnocchi alla Romana, was actually the first time I had eaten them. However, it wasn’t the last! They have become a firm family favourite! I love potato gnocchi, but they aren’t always very light. In fact, many gnocchi dishes are better eaten in the winter when we need and crave more substantial meals! These, on the other hand, can even be served as a starter. They are rich but light and a real melt in your mouth treat!
A little gnocchi alla Romana history!
These semolina gnocchi are one of the most famous examples of pre-or non-potato gnocchi. They are very similar to the type of dumplings enjoyed in Ancient Rome, hence the name ‘alla Romana’ (Roman gnocchi). Despite the fact that some people attribute the origin of these gnocchi to Piedmont because of the high butter content (which is not typical in Lazio cusine), they are a traditional dish in Rome and Lazio.
So easy to make!
Apart from being to-die-for delicious, gnocchi alla Romana really are easy to make. And, unlike their cousin, potato gnocchi, there’s no risk that they may become gluey or heavy. Once you have made the dough, you need to let it cool. But apart from that, it doesn’t take long to make and bake these divine gnocchi.
Gnocchi alla Romana can be served in different ways!
The classic Roman recipe uses a simple butter and cheese dressing. However, these gnocchi alla Romana can be served in other ways; such as with a bechamel sauce, a mornay sauce, a four cheese sauce or a sauce mixed with ham, bacon, pancetta or vegetables.
They can also be served ‘alla Sorrentina’ which means baked with tomato sauce, mozzarella and basil. You can also put some chopped greens or herbs, such as spinach, nettle, chicory, basil etc. into the dough.
Traditionally, gnocchi alla Romana are shaped in circles. But, the dough can also be cut into squares or other shapes! So, if you’re making these with the kids, you can have some fun and cut them in different shapes! Actually, even without kids, you can get creative with the shape!
What is semolina?
As you can see from the recipe card below, few ingredients go into making these semolina gnocchi. Obviously the main ingredient is semolina. Italians say ‘semolino’. Semolina is actually a type of flour made with durum wheat, the wheat we use to make many types of pasta in Italy and couscous. The main difference between semolina and pasta flour is that semolina is coarser than other flours. It’s also often darker and more golden in colour.
Making these gnocchi alla Romana.
Apart from semolina all you need is eggs, milk, butter and grated Parmigiano and Pecorino. However, you can just use Parmigiano. Vegetarians will need to use a cheese that’s not made with animal rennet as Parmigiano and Pecorino are.
Once you have cooked the semolina in milk and butter, then you just add in egg yolks and cheese and form the gnocchi dough while the mixture is still warm. After allowing the dough to cool, the final step is cutting out your gnocchi and cooking them! Easy right?
If you haven’t made these semolina gnocchi before, I would recommend going with this classic ‘alla Romana’ recipe. Then perhaps later try them with another kind of sauce. I have also made them ‘alla Sorrentino’, which is delicious too. Whichever way you serve them, I’m sure it will be love at first bite!
If you do try this gnocchi alla Romana recipe, I’d love to hear what you think. Please write a comment here on the blog or post a comment on the Pasta Project Facebook page.
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Buon Appetito!
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Gnocchi alla Romana
Ingredients
- 1 Lt milk (2 pints)
- 250 g semolina (9 oz)
- 100 g butter (3.5 oz)
- 2 egg yolks
- 75 g Parmigiano Reggiano ( 2.5oz) grated
- 50 g Pecorino Romano (2oz) grated
- salt a pinch
- nutmeg grated, a pinch
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the milk into a saucepan and adding half the butter cut into pieces and a pinch of grated nutmeg and salt.
- Bring the milk to a simmer and when the butter has melted, shower the semolina into the milk (in Italian they say a poggia or ‘like rain’), whisking as you go to avoid lumps.
- The mixture will quickly thicken and become increasingly difficult to whisk. At this point, lower the heat and swap the whisk for a wooden spoon. Continue to stir vigorously to prevent lumps forming.
- Keep cooking the semolina until the mixture becomes quite stiff and elastic and begins to pull cleanly away from the sides of the pan (stirring all the time, of course)
- Remove the mixture from the heat. Add in the parmigiano and mix well. Add the egg yolks and mix them in well too.
- Turn the hot dough out onto a buttered or oiled baking sheet or into a large rectangular pyrex dish and spread it out in an even 1cm thick layer. Wetting whatever tool you are using, will make this easier (clean hands, a spatula, the flat side of a large spoon)
- Cover and allow the dough to cool at room temperature or in the fridge, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. You can also do this a day ahead and keep the baking sheet in the refrigerator overnight.
- Use a round 5-6cm cutter to cut out circles of the semolina dough (a glass or even a cookie cutter with another shape will work). I used a wine glass!! Once again, it helps to wet the tool you use to prevent the dough sticking to it.
- Place the dough circles in slightly overlapping lines in a buttered or oiled baking or gratin dish. (see the photos on the post)
- Melt the rest of the butter in a saucepan. Allow it to cool slightly and then pour it over the dough circles.
- Sprinkle generously with grated pecorino (or more parmigiano) and bake in a preheated oven 200° or under the grill until the gnocchi are nicely browned.
- Let the gnocchi rest for a few minutes and then serve in the baking dish.
- These gnocchi are delicious as a starter or eaten as a main course along with a green salad!Buon appetito!
Notes
This recipe was first published in 2018 but has been updated.
If you are interested in learning how to make homemade pasta and different types of gnocchi, check out my shop page for some great video online courses from my friends in Rome! Nothing beats learning to make pasta from Italians! Plus while you’re there why not order a copy of my autumn/winter pasta recipes cookbook!?
Hi! I love how informative and great your recipe articles are.
This is an excellent dish. I served it for Easter with a ham and it was lovely. A nice switch up from Mac n cheese
The recipe did not need tweaking, it was good written as is. Thank you!!!!
I’m pleased to hear you enjoyed this gnocchi alla Romana, Kathi! I can imagine it was delicious with your Easter ham!
Wow, this recipe is interesting. Didn’t know that semolina is used in pasta dishes too. Looks yum.
You bring me back home with gnocchi alla romana! Beautiful! I’ve had them and made them countless times, a cheesy deliciousness .
My family and I love gnocchi but I have never seen this kind before – I can imagine we are going to love it just as much, if not more!
Never tried semolina gnocchi before. Sounds interesting. Another great pasta recipe added to my to do list.
These look delicious. I had no idea about gnocchi alla Romana. We love making gnocchi from scratch at home, and these will be a great change to our usual recipe. Thanks so much!
So delicious and easy to make! This might just be my new favorite gnocchi recipe!
WOW, I’m drooling just by looking at your photos! I’ve never made this recipe but I have always wanted to! Definitely making these soon!
I’ve never made gnocchi this way but it looks so easy and sounds so delicious. This dish is so simple yet elegant..I cannot wait to try it with semolina!
I’ve never had gnocchi this way but it looks simple and so delicious. Definitely trying this recipe!
Hmm yum! A Rome delicacy! I am so excited to make and taste this Gnocchi alla Romana! It looks really delish.
I have not been successful in making gnocchi but glad to have this recipe for another try at it. I have never seen gnocchi cut in circles with looks easier to make.
Thanks for another great Gnocchi recipe from you. 🙂
I had never heard of making gnocchi this way. I love when I learn about something new on your blog and it is a great recipe too!
Traditional gnocchi is so easy to make and just delicious. Serve with your favorite sauce, mine is alfredo.
I love gnocchi so much. This is such a good twist on the traditional gnocchi!
I feel like these are so much easier than potato gnocchi. Can’t wait to try them!
I am so used to the small gnocchi I see in stores, I didn’t know that there were other varieties. These remind me of something my mom made and she called “dumplings.” Thank you for taking the time to educate! They are delicious.
Thanks for sharing this different method of making gnocchi! I can’t wait to try it!
I’m so excited to try this semolina gnocchi!
I had this in Rome in the home of an acquaintance and oh my! I have tried making it at home but couldn’t get the semolina mixture to harden enough to cut it in circles. I can’t wait to try your recipe! Yours uses more semolina and cheese. That might be the answer!
This is such a fun take on traditional gnocchi! I love gnocchi so I’m sure I’ll love this
I’ve only ever made the classic gnocchi – will definitely be trying out this version
You will love these gnocchi, I’m sure Mireille! They’re lighter than classic gnocchi and really taste divine! All the best dear! Jacqui
Wow gnocchi alla Romana looks so so delicious. Love your step by step explanation. I’ll have to try this dish out at home.
Thanks so much Mayuri! Yes these gnocchi are really delicious! I’m sure you’ll love them if you try them! Greetings from Verona! Jacqui
I love gnocchi, but have never tried gnocchi Alla Roman. I am definitely going to have to try this because it looks fantastic!!
Thank you Casey! I’m sure you’ll love these gnocchi. They’re much lighter than potato gnocchi and really melt in your mouth! Baci from Verona! Jacqui
With this recipe you made me travel back in time. My mom used to make them all the times with plenty of cheese on top. Unfortunately, my husband does not like semolino but since he is traveling I will jump to a supermarket and make them this evening for me and the boys.
What a pity your hubby doesn’t like semolino Laura! I hope you and your boys enjoyed them! I need to make them again soon myself. I love gnocchi alla Romana so much! Hugs from Verona! Jacqui
What a lovely sounding recipe, I love making and eating gnocchi, I gotta give these a try.
What a lovely sounding recipe, very new to me but I love making and eating gnocchi, definitely giving this a try!
Thanks so much Brian! I’m sure you’ll love these gnocchi. They’re so light and melt in your mouth scrumptious! All the best Jacqui
I’v heard of this but never made it – intrigued to give it a try, for sure, as they look good.
I have never seen gnocchi made like this. In fact, I think I have only tried gnocchi one time in my life, so I don’t know what I like. But this looks so good, I am sure I would devour it!
Jacqui, this recipe sounds utterly delicious – and that’s huge coming from someone who’s not too keen on gnocchi! Great photos, I’m sold!
These look so delicious ! I have never tried making gnocchi at home and find your recipe intriguing . Will definitely give it a try !
Wow, what an unique twist on the classic gnocchi!! I so want to try this! Extremely tempting!
Yum! What a great recipe! I’ve never tried gnocchi like this before, but that just might need to change now!