Gnocchi alla Romana (Roman-style semolina gnocchi) are a great classic of Italian cuisine, one of those recipes loved for their simplicity and distinctive flavour. This traditional dish from the Lazio region is prepared with just a few ingredients: semolina, milk, butter, Grana Padano DOP, and eggs. Perfect for a Sunday lunch or a sociable dinner, these semolina gnocchi stand out for their soft consistency and deliciously golden taste. Here’s how to prepare them quickly and easily! Let’s look at the steps and ingredients together for Gnocchi alla Romana, the traditional Lazio recipe. Our version uses Grana Padano DOP both in the mixture and as a final touch – let’s get cooking straight away!
Ingredients and recipe steps
Roman Gnocchi Recipe with Grana Padano DOP.
We’re going to look at how to prepare Gnocchi alla Romana, starting with the ingredients. A little hint: we could also call them ‘semolina gnocchi’ – do you know why?
Grana PadanoGnocchi
Preparation
STEP 1
In a saucepan, heat the milk with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a grating of nutmeg. When the milk is just about to boil (or comes to a gentle simmer), pour in the semolina slowly (literally, “like rain”), stirring continuously with a whisk to prevent the formation of lumps.
STEP 2
Cook over a low heat for about 10 minutes until you get a thick cream. Remove from the heat and stir in 50g of the Grana Padano DOP, 30g of the butter, and the egg yolks, continuing to mix.
STEP 3
Spread the mixture onto a lightly oiled surface, forming an even layer about 1 cm thick.Allow to cool completely.
STEP 4
Using a pastry cutter (or a glass), cut out discs from the mixture.Arrange them, slightly overlapping and staggered, in a buttered oven dish (or baking dish).
STEP 5
Sprinkle with the remaining Grana Padano DOP and melted butter. Bake in the oven at $200 for about 20 minutes, or until the surface is golden brown.
Tips and Suggestions
Now that you know all the steps for the Gnocchi alla Romana recipe, it’s time to discover interesting facts and a few tips on how to adapt the Gnocchi alla Romana recipe.
Who invented Gnocchi alla Romana?
Gnocchi alla Romana have ancient origins, dating back to popular Lazio cuisine, where semolina was an economical and nutritious ingredient.
What can be used instead of semolina?
If you don’t have semolina, you can experiment with similar flours, such as polenta. However, the result will be different.
How many calories are in Gnocchi alla Romana?
A serving of Gnocchi alla Romana contains approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the amount of butter and cheese used.
How long does it take to cook the gnocchi?
Baking Gnocchi alla Romana in the oven requires about 20 minutes.
What should I eat with Gnocchi alla Romana?
Gnocchi alla Romana pair perfectly with gratinated vegetable side dishes, such as spinach or courgettes (zucchini).
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