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Gnocchetti Sardi with Cherry Tomatoes, Champignons, and Pecorino

17/11/2023

Sardinian gnocchetti, also known as malloreddus, are a type of pasta typical of Sardinia that lends itself well to being paired with flavorful sauces. Here I propose a fresh and tasty variant with cherry tomatoes, champignons, and pecorino.

Ingredients

  • 400 g of Sardinian gnocchetti (malloreddus)
  • 250 g of cherry tomatoes
  • 200 g of champignon mushrooms
  • 80 g of Sardinian pecorino (better if aged)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A bunch of fresh parsley
  • Red chili pepper (optional)

Preparation

  1. Clean the champignons with a damp cloth or a brush, slice them and set aside.
  2. Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
  3. Grate the Sardinian pecorino and keep it handy.
  4. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and add the whole garlic cloves to flavor it. If you like it spicy, you can also add some chopped red chili pepper.
  5. When the garlic is golden, remove it and add the champignons. Sauté them for a few minutes until they start to brown.
  6. Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet, lower the heat and cook for about 10 minutes, until they have softened and released some of their juices. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Sardinian gnocchetti according to the package instructions. They usually take about 10-12 minutes.
  8. Drain the pasta, saving some of the cooking water, and add it to the skillet with the champignon and cherry tomato sauce. Stir well adding a bit of the cooking water to emulsify the sauce and make everything creamy.
  9. Before serving, sprinkle with the grated pecorino and chopped fresh parsley.

Fun Fact

Sardinian gnocchetti are called “malloreddus” which in Sardinian means calves, due to their shape that resembles that of cattle. Traditionally they are served with sausage or meat-based sauces, but this variant with pecorino and champignons represents an excellent vegetarian alternative without giving up the richness of flavors.

Enjoy your meal! If you need advice on a wine pairing or on modifications to the recipe, I’m here to help.

Gnocchetti Sardi with Cherry Tomatoes, Champignons, and Pecorino