Forget everything you think you know about gnocchi. This isn't your average, heavy potato dumpling. We're diving into the heart of authentic Italian gnocchi, a dish that celebrates simplicity and the exquisite flavors of fresh ingredients. Imagine pillowy soft potato dumplings, kissed by the sun-ripened sweetness of roasted tomatoes and the vibrant herbaceousness of homemade pesto. This recipe will guide you through creating a truly memorable meal, one that transports you straight to the rustic kitchens of Italy.
This isn't just a recipe; it's a journey. We'll start with perfectly cooked potatoes, the foundation of our gnocchi, and carefully guide you through each step, from creating the delicate dough to achieving that signature light and fluffy texture. Ready to elevate your pasta night? Let's embark on this culinary adventure together, starting with the detailed step-by-step process below.
Tools Needed
- Oven
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Tomatoes
- Garlic cloves: 3
- Chili flakes: 1 teaspoon
- Mixed herbs: 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar: 2 tablespoons
- White onion: 1
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Oregano: 1 teaspoon
- Fresh basil
- Vegan pesto: 3 tablespoons
- Pine nuts: 2 tablespoons
- Vegan & Gluten-free Gnocchi: 3 packets
- Salt
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Roasted Tomato Sauce
- Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius.
- Roast tomatoes, garlic cloves, chili flakes, mixed herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar for 25 minutes.
- Once tomatoes are roasted, add them to the pan with the garlic cloves. Squash tomatoes to make a sauce.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Create the Flavor Base
- While tomatoes roast, fry off one finely diced white onion and garlic clove in olive oil.
- Add roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and fresh basil to the frying pan.
- Turn off heat and add vegan pesto.
Step 3. Toast Pine Nuts and Finish the Sauce
- Toast pine nuts until golden brown (watch carefully as they burn quickly).
- Finish with pepper and pine nuts.
Step 4. Cook and Serve the Gnocchi
- Add gnocchi to the pan and combine with the sauce.
Read more: Classic Beef Spiedini: Italian-Style Kebabs Recipe
Tips
- Sun-dried tomatoes are naturally salty, so seasoning might not be necessary.
- Keep an eye on the pine nuts while toasting, as they burn easily.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-700
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-85g
- Protein: 10-15g
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, absolutely! While homemade pesto offers the freshest flavor, a good quality store-bought pesto will work perfectly well in this recipe.
2. How do I know if my gnocchi are cooked?
The gnocchi are cooked when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes just a couple of minutes after they rise.
This authentic Italian gnocchi recipe, with its burst of roasted tomato sweetness and vibrant pesto, is sure to become a new family favorite. The simple yet elegant combination of flavors offers a taste of Italy right in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfying result of your culinary journey!