Gnocchi di Patate al Ragu d’Agnello
Serves 6 People
Ingredients for Gnocchi:
- 1-1/2 kg potatoes, whole and ‘old’ and starchy; (not new potatoes)
- 4 eggs (2 whole eggs; 2 yolks)
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 50 g butter
- 20 g fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)
- 20 g fresh sage
- 30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
Ingredients for Lamb Ragu, Stage 1:
- 1 kg lamb shoulder or shank, bone in
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 whole garlic head, cut in half, crosswise
- 1 bouquet garni with black peppercorns, fennel seeds, sprig of thyme (amounts to taste)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- 1/2 cup dry Italian red wine
- extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredients for Lamb Ragu, Stage 2:
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 tbsp dried pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 red pepper diced
- 300 g of San Marzano tomatoes, crushed
- 1/2 cup of dry Italian red wine
- 1/2 cup of water
- 100 g grated Pecorino cheese
- 1/2 bunch Italian parsley, chopped
- extra-virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
Gnocchi:
- In a small saucepan melt the butter with the fresh herbs, over low heat
- Place the pan on a corner of the stove to keep warm and let the flavours of the herbs infuse for 1-2 hours
- Choose potatoes of approximately the same size and with the skins on bring to a boil; continue to cook a a low boil until soft
- While still warm, drain and peel the potatoes and then pass through a vegetable mill onto a clean pasta board
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
- Make a well in the center of the potatoes and sprinkle all over with flour
- Break the eggs into the center of the well, add the salt, and 20 ml of the infused herbed butter (use remaining infused butter as a sauce for cooked gnocchi at another time)
- Using a fork, stir together the flour and potatoes and mix in the eggs; bring the dough together, kneading gently until a ball is formed.
- Knead gently for 4 minutes, until the ball is dry to the touch
- Divide the ball into 6 smaller balls. Roll each ball into a rope approximately 1-1/2 cm in diameter and cut each rope into 2 cm pieces.
- Flick each piece of dough of the tines of a fork to indent
- Drop the gnocchi into salted boiling water and cook until they float to the surface (approximately 1 minute)
- Using a slotted spoon transfer the gnocchi to a tray or to a prepared sauce
- If not added directly to a sauce, toss with extra-virgin olive oil and store covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Any remaining gnocchi not used with the Lamb Ragu can be reheated and served with left over infused butter
Method Ragu, Stage 1
- Season the lamb with salt and pepper
- In a large, oiled braising pan over high heat brown the meat for approximately 5 minutes on each side
- Set the meat aside, tip out any excess fat from the pan and then add the diced onion, carrots, celery and garlic; cook for 5 minutes to soften the vegetables
- Pour in the wine to deglaze the bottom of the pan, then return the meat to the pan
- Pour in the water and then add the bouquet garni
- Bring to a simmer, cover and transfer to a preheated 325°F oven; braise until the meat begins to fall off the bone
- Remove from oven and let the meat cool in the braising liquid
- Remove the meat from the bones, remove excess fat, making sure not to shred the meat too finely
- Discard the bones, braised vegetables and bouquet garni
- Chop the meat into 3/4″ pieces and set aside
- Strain the braising liquid into a tall narrow pot and let it settle until the fat rises to the surface; skim off most of the fat
- Place the pot over medium heat and reduce liquid until thick enough to lightly coat the back of a spoon; skim fat from the surface as it simmers
Method Ragu, Stage 2
- Heat a little extra-virgin olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat
- Add the diced onion and sweat until soft, season with the red pepper flakes
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 minutes
- Add the diced red pepper and cook until soft
- Pour in the wine and reduce a little, then add the crushed tomato and cook for an additional five minutes
- Pour in the braising liquid and simmer
- Add the lamb and adjust flavour with salt and pepper, to taste
Presentation:
- Serve the Lamb Ragu over potato Gnocchi or Pappardelle. Garnish with Pecorino cheese and chopped Italian parsley