FishMeatPastaPescatarian

Gnochetti Sardi alle Vongole

Gnocchetti Sardi, also known as Malloreddus, is the foundation of Sardinian cuisine. Accompanied by clams, there’s no finer taste in the Mediterranean! The dumplings have tiny ridges and are made simply from semolina, water and saffron. No pasta machine necessary, you can use the back of your fork!

Prep Time: 30 mins plus chilling time
Cooking Time: 15 mins
2 people

Used in this recipe

Ingredients

For the gnochetti

A pinch of saffron threads
125ml water
200g semolina flour (semolato di gran duro)
A pinch of salt

For the sauce

500g fresh clams in shells, cleaned as in vongole recipe
25g pancetta
3 tbsp Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
200ml passata
12 cherry tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
60ml vodka
A handful of basil leaves

Method

Place the saffron threads in the water and leave to infuse for 5 minutes. Place the semolina flour and a good pinch of salt on the work surface and mix together. Make a big hole in the middle and add the saffron water. Using a fork, slowly pull the flour into the water moving around in a circle
When the flour and the water are combined, test it with your fingers. If it sticks to your fingers it’s too wet and needs a little more flour. Knead, for about 5 minutes until the dough is elastic. Alternatively, you can do this in a mixer using a dough hook. Wrap the ball in cling film and chill for 30 minutes to relax.
Roll the pasta into thin logs, then pinch off small balls. Shape them by pushing against the ridges on the back of a fork or use a gnocchi paddle.
To make the sauce, heat the oil in a pan with a lid, add the pancetta and cook until crispy. Reduce the heat and add the shallot and garlic and cook until softened.
Stir in the passata and cherry tomatoes, cover and cook until the tomatoes start to burst. Season to taste.
Add the clams and pour over the vodka. Increase the heat, cover with the lid, shaking the pan occasionally. When the clams have opened, remove from the heat and discard any clams that haven't opened.
Meanwhile bring a pan of water to the boil, add the gnochetti and cook until it rises to the surface, then remove with a slotted spoon. Add the drained gnochetti to the clams and sauce and stir to coat.
Divide between 2 bowls and serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

From £6.99

Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil has a distinctive, rich and fruity flavour that beautifully complements fresh ingredients. Perfect for sauces, marinades, drizzling and dipping, it’s a versatile addition to everyday cooking.