Gnocchi al Ragù
Potato gnocchi served with a rich meat sauce (ragù).
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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Restaurante Spaghetto
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Gnocchi, small dumplings, have ancient roots, possibly dating back to Roman times when they were made from semolina or bread. Potatoes were introduced to Europe much later, and their incorporation into gnocchi is a more recent development. Ragù, a meat-based sauce, has its origins in the medieval Italian tradition of slowly braising meat to create rich, flavorful sauces. The combination of potato gnocchi and ragù represents a relatively modern pairing, reflecting the evolution of Italian cuisine over centuries.
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Gnocchi al Ragù is a dish deeply rooted in Italian family traditions, often served during Sunday lunches or special occasions. It represents comfort food at its finest, a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and togetherness.
Family Meal
Gnocchi al Ragù is frequently prepared and enjoyed as a communal meal with family and friends, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience.
Regional Variations
While the core elements of the dish remain consistent, regional variations exist in the specific meats, vegetables, and herbs used in the ragù, reflecting the diversity of Italian culinary traditions.
Sunday Lunch Tradition
In many Italian families, a hearty meal like Gnocchi al Ragù is a staple of Sunday lunch, a time for families to gather and enjoy a leisurely meal together.
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Gnocchi al Ragù is a symphony of comforting textures and rich, savory flavors. The delicate potato gnocchi provide a soft, pillowy base for the robust meat sauce.
The flavor profile is dominated by the umami-rich ragù, typically made with ground or finely diced meat (beef, pork, and sometimes veal), tomatoes, onions, carrots, celery, herbs (bay leaf, oregano), and wine. The potatoes in the gnocchi lend a subtle earthiness and sweetness that complements the savory sauce. Butter and Parmesan cheese are often added for richness and depth.
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Perfect Gnocchi Texture
Use starchy potatoes, like Russets, and avoid overworking the dough to ensure light and fluffy gnocchi. Overworking the dough develops gluten, leading to tough gnocchi.
Rich Ragù Flavor
Allow the ragù to simmer for several hours to develop a deep, complex flavor. Low and slow cooking is essential for tenderizing the meat and allowing the flavors to meld.
Sauce Consistency
Adjust the consistency of the ragù by adding pasta water to create a sauce that clings beautifully to the gnocchi. Pasta water contains starch that helps emulsify the sauce.
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