Description
Experience a delightful twist on a classic with this Creamy Beef Carbonara With Gnocchi. Tender potato gnocchi enveloped in a rich, savory sauce promises to elevate your weeknight dinners to gourmet status.
Ingredients
- Fresh gnocchi
- Cured beef belly or smoked beef bacon
- Eggs (2 whole eggs and 4 yolks for four servings)
- Pecorino Romano cheese (finely grated)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Salt
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cut your cured beef belly or smoked beef bacon into 1/4 to 1/2 inch cubes. Finely grate your Pecorino Romano cheese. In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs (2 whole eggs and 4 yolks for four servings) with half of the grated Pecorino Romano and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper (at least 1-2 teaspoons). Set this aside.
- Render the Beef: Heat a large, sturdy skillet (preferably non-stick or cast iron) over medium-low heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then add your cubed cured beef belly or smoked beef bacon. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 8-12 minutes, or until the fat has rendered out and the beef pieces are wonderfully crispy and golden brown. Remove the beef pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside on a plate, leaving all that glorious rendered fat in the pan.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add your gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Fresh gnocchi usually takes only 2-3 minutes; they’re done when they float to the surface. As soon as they float, use a slotted spoon or spider to transfer the gnocchi directly into the skillet with the rendered beef fat.
- Create the Sauce: With the gnocchi now in the skillet (which should still be warm from the rendered fat, but NOT on direct heat), immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the gnocchi. Working quickly and vigorously, toss and stir the gnocchi with the egg mixture using tongs or a wooden spoon. Gradually add spoonfuls of the reserved gnocchi cooking water, about 1/4 cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Add the reserved crispy beef pieces back into the skillet. Give it one last gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, topped with the remaining grated Pecorino Romano and an extra grind of fresh black pepper.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for the best texture.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve immediately for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 300 mg
Keywords: Creamy Beef Carbonara, Gnocchi, Italian Cuisine, Main Dish