Deliciosio! The one word to describe this absolutely faboulous dish (even if I do so say myself!).  Based on the traditional gnocchi alla romana with semolina baked gnocchi, I’ve combined some vegetarian hotdogs and mushrooms to add a little more flavour to this subtle dish.

Ever since trying this dish at a restaurant in Melbourne, I’ve wanted to attempt to make this dish.  Whilst I’ve probably added one too many hotdogs (I suggest using two for next time), this dish has a nice softness about it from the gnocchi and it’s well worth making!

Vegans could get away with using soy milk and margarine, plus a little soy cream for thickness plus swapping your cheeses for fake vegan varieties.

Serves:

• 4

Ingredients:

Gnocchi

• 1 tsp egg replacer
• 125 grams semolina
• 500 ml light milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp white pepper
• 50 grams butter
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• small handful mozzarella

Sauce

• olive oil for frying hotdogs
• 3 hot dogs (sliced thinly)
• 5 mushrooms, sliced thinly
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp garlic mince
• pinch salt
• pinch white pepper
• 40 grams butter
• knob butter
• 80 ml cream
• parmesan – grated handful only
• mozzarella – grated handful

Instructions:

1. Preheat the microwave or oven to 180 degrees C or 360 degrees F.
2. Heat the milk to boiling point with the butter and spices added.
3. Lower the heat and stir through the semolina and egg replacer.  Stir quite well, as it will now be quite thick and need a good beating!
4. Beat your mozzarella in and flatten the mixture out onto a tray with baking paper.  Allow to cool.
5. In the same pan, add some olive oil with the spices and hot dogs.
6. Allow to get crispy before adding the garlic and mushrooms.
7. In a small jar or container add the cream and butter, adding a couple of the hotdog mixture to melt and mix the cream and butter together.  Set this aside.
8. Grab another tray for the final meal and grease the bottom of the pan.
9. Cut out circle shapes of your now cooled-down semolina and layer the entire tray.
10. Add the hotdog mixture over the top and a handful of mozzarella.
11. Pour the butter and cream mixture over the top.
12. Add a knob of butter and some grated parmesan cheese.
13. Place in the oven for 30-35 minutes (golden brown).
14. Allow to sit for five minutes before serving.