Semolina Gnocchi alla Romana is a classic Roman dish made with creamy semolina, Parmesan cheese, and butter, shaped into rounds and baked until golden and crisp around the edges. Rich, comforting, and simple, it's a delicious Italian side dish or first course.
In a sauce pan over medium high heat bring milk ,salt and nutmeg to a low boil.
Very slowly in a steady stream add the semolina flour stirring continuedly with a wisk to avoid lumps
Continue cooking uncovered for 10 -15 minutes stirring frequently. The mixture will be very thick and pull away from the sides of the pan when it is ready to be removed from the fire.
In a small bowl wisk the egg with the 1 cup of pecorino cheese. Add this to the semolina mixture mixing until well combined.
Spread the gnocchi mixture unto the prepared baking sheet. Use damp fingers to press the mixture smooth to a 1/4 inch thickness. Refrigerate for at least 60 minutes
Spread a shallow oven proof casserole dish with butter.
once the semolina is firm cut out circles using a 2 inch cookie cutter or glass of the similar size.
Arrange the gnocchi circles overlapping each other in the prepared casserole dish.
Melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter in the microwave. Pour the melted butter over the gnocchi, top with the remaining pecorino Romano, and bake in a preheated 375- degree oven for 25-30 or until the top is golden . Sprinkle with additional cheese and chopped Italian parsley.
Notes
Spread the cooked semolina mixture evenly on a lightly buttered surface and let it cool completely before cutting. This makes it much easier to form neat, uniform rounds.