Gnocchi with Radicchio and Saffron

Gnocchi with radicchio and saffron is a dish that combines the sweetness of potato gnocchi with the slightly bitter taste of radicchio and the delicate aroma of saffron. It’s a perfect dish for an autumn or winter lunch. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 500 g of potato gnocchi
• 200 g of Treviso radicchio
• 1 sachet of saffron
• 1 shallot
• 100 ml of heavy cream
• 50 g of grated Parmesan cheese
• Butter as needed
• Salt as needed
• Pepper as needed
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation

1. Start by cleaning the radicchio and cutting it into thin strips. Set aside.
2. Thinly slice the shallot and fry it in a pan with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. When it becomes transparent, add the cut radicchio.
3. Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the radicchio softens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Dissolve the saffron in a small glass with hot water, then pour it into the pan with the radicchio. Mix well to evenly distribute the saffron.
5. Add the heavy cream, lower the heat, and let everything cook for another 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
6. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a pot of salted water. When the gnocchi float to the surface, remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer them directly into the pan with the radicchio and saffron.
7. Increase the heat under the pan with the gnocchi, add a knob of butter and the grated Parmesan cheese, and sauté for a minute or two, just enough time to flavor them and to blend them with the sauce.
8. Serve hot with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Trivia

Saffron is a highly prized spice in cooking for its unique aroma and vibrant color. It is extracted from the stigmas of the Crocus sativus flower and has been one of the most precious and expensive ingredients for centuries, nicknamed “red gold” for its high value.

This recipe represents an excellent fusion of Italian flavors, with the Treviso radicchio blending well with the sweetness of the gnocchi and the exoticism of saffron. The dish is relatively simple, yet rich in flavor and visual impact thanks to the vibrant coloring that saffron gives to the dish.