Gnocchi with 'Nduja and Stracciatella di Burrata: A Creamy and Delicious Recipe

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Gnocchi with 'Nduja and Stracciatella di Burrata: A Creamy and Delicious Recipe

Gnocchi are a staple of Italian cuisine, traditionally enjoyed on Sundays and special occasions. This recipe elevates classic gnocchi with spicy 'nduja, a soft and fiery Calabrian salami spread, and stracciatella di burrata, the creamy interior of burrata cheese. The result is an irresistible, comforting dish with a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.

Recipe Details

  • Servings: 2 Servings
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Cuisine: Calabria , Italian

Ingredients

  • 250g potato gnocchi
  • 120g 'nduja
  • 300g cherry tomatoes
  • 200g burrata (stracciatella only)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Hot water (as needed)
  • Fresh basil (to taste)
  • Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce

  1. Peel the garlic, cut it in half, and remove the inner germ for a milder flavour.
  2. Heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil in a pan and sauté the garlic.
  3. Wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, then add them to the pan. Let them cook for a few minutes.
  4. Remove the 'nduja from its casing and cut it into small pieces.

2. Cook the 'Nduja and Tomatoes

  1. Once the tomatoes start to soften, add the 'nduja to the pan.
  2. Pour in a generous ladle of hot water to help dissolve the 'nduja into the sauce.
  3. Taste and adjust with salt if needed.
  4. Let the sauce cook until the 'nduja has fully melted, creating a rich and spicy tomato base.

3. Prepare the Gnocchi

  1. Lightly dust the gnocchi with semolina flour to prevent them from sticking together.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.

4. Combine and Serve

  1. Drain the gnocchi and transfer them directly into the pan with the sauce.
  2. Stir gently for 2 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb the flavours.
  3. Add fresh basil leaves and mix well.
  4. Plate the gnocchi and spoon over the stracciatella from the burrata, letting its creaminess melt into the warm dish.

5. Final Touches

  1. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and serve immediately while hot.

Tips for Perfect Gnocchi with 'Nduja and Burrata

  • Enhance the Sauce: Add a ladle of gnocchi cooking water to the tomato sauce for a silkier texture.
  • Tomato Choice: Use ripe cherry tomatoes for a naturally sweet and juicy sauce.
  • Alternative Pasta: If you prefer, swap gnocchi for fresh pasta and toss it with the same sauce.
  • Onion Option: Instead of garlic, use finely chopped red onion or shallots for a milder, slightly sweet contrast to the spicy 'nduja.
  • Creative Variation: Try a saffron risotto with 'nduja—sauté onion with 'nduja, add hot water to melt the salami, then stir it into nearly cooked risotto along with saffron for a unique twist.