Gnocchetti with Ham and Saffron

Gnocchetti with ham and saffron is a flavorful dish that combines the sweetness and softness of the gnocchetti with the distinct aroma of saffron and the savoriness of the ham. Here’s how you can prepare it.

Ingredients

• 500 g of gnocchetti (you can use potato gnocchi if you prefer)
• 200 g of cooked or raw ham, depending on your preference
• 1 sachet of saffron powder
• 1 small onion
• 200 ml of cooking cream
• Extra virgin olive oil as needed
• Salt and pepper as needed
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
• Water for cooking the gnocchetti

Preparation

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchetti.
2. In the meantime, cut the ham into strips or cubes.
3. Finely slice the onion and sauté it in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil until it becomes translucent.
4. Add the ham to the pan with the onion and let it brown for a few minutes.
5. Dissolve the saffron sachet in a small amount of hot water and add it to the sautéed onion and ham.
6. Pour the cooking cream into the pan, mix well and let it cook on low heat until you get a smooth sauce.
7. Adjust with salt and pepper to taste and continue to cook on low heat until the sauce has slightly thickened.
8. Cook the gnocchetti in the boiling water. Drain them al dente and transfer them to the pan with the sauce.
9. Mix the gnocchetti with the sauce, making sure to cover them completely.
10. Serve the gnocchetti hot and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

You can pair this dish with a glass of white wine, such as a Chardonnay or a Trebbiano, which goes well with the creaminess of the sauce and the saltiness of the ham.

Curiosity

Saffron is a precious spice used for millennia, famous not only for its unique flavor but also for its ability to color dishes yellow. In this case, it gives the gnocchetti a very inviting golden look.