This scrumptious potato gnocchi with saffron sauce is a straightforward to make Italian recipe from Umbria. All you want for the significantly flavorful sauce is saffron (threads or powder), ricotta and milk. The potato gnocchi could be home made or store-bought. Excellent for weeknight dinners and household meals.

Saffron in Italy.
Saffron originated in Asia Minor from the place it was launched to Europe, notably Greece (the place it was first cultivated) and Spain. From Spain, saffron was delivered to Italy within the 13th century by a Dominican monk named Santucci who served on the courtroom of the Spanish Inquisition. He was the primary to carry Crocus Sativus bulbs to this nation with the intention of cultivating saffron.
Father Santucci was from the city of Navelli in Abruzzo, and that is the place he planted the primary saffron crop. He ultimately created an enterprise that produced a high-quality saffron which grew to become well-known all through Europe.
Generally known as Navelli saffron or L’Aquila saffron, immediately the saffron from Abruzzo is mostly agreed to be one of many absolute best on the planet. Nevertheless, Abruzzo isn’t the one Italian area the place they farm saffron. Sardinia, Tuscany, Marche and Umbria in addition to extra just lately Sicily and Puglia additionally domesticate this spice.
This gnocchi with saffron sauce recipe comes from Umbria, particularly from the Perugia province the place a lot of the area’s saffron is grown.
Substances for gnocchi with saffron sauce.
Gnocchi: I used store-bought contemporary potato gnocchi to make this dish this time, however I additionally typically prefer to make my very own gnocchi. In case you can’t discover ready-made gnocchi, why not attempt your hand at making your personal. I’ve a recipe for home made potato gnocchi you possibly can observe.
For the creamy saffron sauce.
Saffron: You need to use saffron threads or powder to your saffron cream sauce. I used powder which I dissolved in lukewarm milk earlier than including it to the sauce. In case you choose to make use of saffron threads, you will have to crush them, utilizing a pestle and mortar or your arms, earlier than including them to the milk. Additionally, it’s higher for those who do that 3 or 4 hours earlier than making this recipe. Saffron powder doesn’t have to be soaked for therefore lengthy.
Milk: This recipe requires a cup of entire milk by which the saffron is dissolved. I choose to make use of an natural milk for taste and well being properties. However, regular milk is okay too.
Ricotta: The idea for the creamy saffron sauce is contemporary ricotta. The ricotta provides creaminess and texture to the sauce. There’s no want to make use of any thickening agent however be sure you use a very good high quality cow’s milk ricotta and drain it properly earlier than making the sauce.
Parmigiano Reggiano: Parmigiano is used when serving your gnocchi in creamy saffron sauce and within the sauce itself. Nevertheless, Italian parmigiano isn’t vegetarian. So, to maintain this recipe vegetarian use a tough cheese that’s not made with animal rennet.
Olive oil: The creamy saffron sauce on this recipe additionally has olive oil in it. It’s greatest to make use of a very good high quality additional virgin olive oil. This not solely has a greater fruitier taste than different olive oils, however it’s additionally more healthy.
Basil: Contemporary basil leaves add a contemporary herby taste to this dish. You’ll be able to sub with contemporary parsley if basil not obtainable.
Step-by-step directions
Recipe prep: If utilizing saffron threads, crush them after which go away to soak for about 3 hours in lukewarm milk. Saffron powder could be added to the milk and left to dissolve for simply 10-Quarter-hour or so.
Step 1: Drain the ricotta properly and put it into a big bowl. Cream it utilizing a fork after which add the saffron milk and olive oil. Combine collectively properly after which add some grated Parmigiano (or vegetarian parmesan cheese). Combine once more till you will have a easy sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Pour the ricotta saffron sauce right into a pan that’s sufficiently big to carry the gnocchi too. Simmer it for about 10 minutes on a low warmth.
Put a big pot of chilly water on to boil for the gnocchi. Add salt after which prepare dinner the gnocchi within the boiling salted water over a medium-high warmth till they rise to the floor. This solely takes 1-2 minutes with contemporary gnocchi.
Pressure the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and add them to the ricotta and saffron sauce. In case you want extra liquid add a number of the gnocchi cooking water or heat milk.
Combine the potato gnocchi with the creamy saffron sauce. Then add some extra grated cheese, and torn basil leaves. Combine once more and serve instantly with extra contemporary basil.
What to do with leftovers.
When you have leftover potato gnocchi with saffron sauce you possibly can hold it in an hermetic container within the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat within the microwave with just a little milk or fry with a knob of butter.
FAQs
This gnocchi with saffron sauce is definitely made vegetarian for those who substitute the Parmigiano Reggiano for a vegetarian cheese. Italian Parmigiano is made with animal rennet. Ricotta is often vegetarian however examine the label to make sure.
Sure, frozen gnocchi are high-quality however cooking occasions could also be longer as you often have to prepare dinner them from frozen.
Let me know what you suppose.
This gnocchi recipe actually makes an ideal weeknight dinner. It is easy to make and the creamy sauce goes so properly with the potato gnocchi. Though I’ve seen comparable recipes utilizing heavy cream, I believe ricotta and milk is a lighter and more healthy different.
In case you make this Italian potato gnocchi with creamy saffron sauce, I’d love to listen to the way it seems. Please write a remark right here on the weblog, electronic mail me or put up a touch upon the Pasta Undertaking Fb web page.
Buon Appetito!
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