Description
Indulge in a unique twist on a classic favorite with this Beef Carbonara With Gnocchi, where tender potato gnocchi meets a rich, creamy carbonara sauce. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, this dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
- Potato gnocchi
- Cured beef belly (or beef ‘bacon’)
- 2 whole large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Gnocchi cooking water
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients & Workstation: Dice your cured beef belly into small, even pieces. Grate your Pecorino Romano cheese. In a bowl, whisk together your two whole eggs and two extra egg yolks. Season the egg mixture with freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Render the Cured Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced cured beef belly. Allow it to render out its fat, stirring occasionally, until the beef is crispy, about 8-12 minutes. Transfer the beef pieces to a plate, leaving the fat in the skillet. Turn off the heat under the skillet.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi to the boiling water. Gnocchi cook quickly, typically floating to the surface within 2-4 minutes. Do not overcook them.
- Assemble the Sauce: As soon as the gnocchi float, transfer them directly into the skillet with the rendered beef fat. Turn the heat to very low.
- Emulsify and Serve: Quickly add the crispy beef pieces back into the skillet with the gnocchi. Add about half a cup of hot gnocchi cooking water into the skillet. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the gnocchi, stirring continuously. The heat will cook the eggs and melt the cheese, creating a creamy sauce. Adjust the consistency with more cooking water if needed.
- Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra Pecorino Romano and cracked black pepper.
Notes
- Ensure the gnocchi is not overcooked for best texture.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, particularly with pepper.
- Serve immediately for optimal creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 300 mg