Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico
Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, mixing bowl, potato masher, fork, baking sheet, saucepan, wooden spoon.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Gnocchi:
- 2 large potatoes about 1 pound
- 1 to 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus extra for dusting
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 14 ounces crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves torn (about 10 leaves)
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. While they are still warm, peel them.
- Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Spread them out on a clean surface to cool completely.
- Form the Dough: Once cooled, gather the potatoes into a mound, make a well in the center, and add the beaten egg and salt. Gradually incorporate the flour, starting with 1 cup and adding more as needed until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Gently knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes, just until it comes together. Be careful not to over-knead; the dough should remain soft.
- Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Form the Gnocchi: To shape the gnocchi, use a fork to press each piece lightly, creating ridges on one side. This helps the sauce cling better.
- Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a baking sheet.
- Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Basil: Stir in the torn basil leaves just before serving.
- Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Mix Gnocchi and Sauce: Toss the cooked gnocchi with the sauce in the saucepan over low heat until well coated. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Variations
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Herbed Gnocchi: Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Gnocchi, those delightful little dumplings made from potatoes, are a classic in Italian cuisine. They are pillowy and light, perfect for soaking up delicious sauces. Paired with a simple tomato and basil sauce, this dish becomes a comforting meal that brings the taste of Italy right to your kitchen. From my own personal experience, gnocchi can seem intimidating, but I assure you it’s quite straightforward! Let me show you how I make Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico.
Notes on What to Expect
You can expect a lovely, comforting dish that is not only satisfying but also impressively simple to make at home. The gnocchi will be light and fluffy, perfectly complemented by the bright and fresh flavors of the tomato and basil sauce.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Time to Stand: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Moderate
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: $10 – $15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Main Course
- Equipment Needed: Large pot, mixing bowl, potato masher, fork, baking sheet, saucepan, wooden spoon.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico now.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi:
- 2 large potatoes (about 1 pound)
- 1 to 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 10 leaves)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico now.
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt and bring to a boil. Cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender when pierced with a fork.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the potatoes and allow them to cool slightly. While they are still warm, peel them.
Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
- Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes until smooth. Spread them out on a clean surface to cool completely.
- Form the Dough: Once cooled, gather the potatoes into a mound, make a well in the center, and add the beaten egg and salt. Gradually incorporate the flour, starting with 1 cup and adding more as needed until a soft dough forms.
- Knead: Gently knead the dough on a floured surface for about 2 minutes, just until it comes together. Be careful not to over-knead; the dough should remain soft.
Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi
- Divide and Roll: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope about ½ inch thick. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
- Form the Gnocchi: To shape the gnocchi, use a fork to press each piece lightly, creating ridges on one side. This helps the sauce cling better.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
- Boil the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Basil: Stir in the torn basil leaves just before serving.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
- Mix Gnocchi and Sauce: Toss the cooked gnocchi with the sauce in the saucepan over low heat until well coated. Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Variations
- Sweet Potato Gnocchi: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour.
- Herbed Gnocchi: Add finely chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the dough for extra flavor.
Tips
- Ensure the potatoes are dry after boiling to avoid a sticky dough.
- Experiment with different sauces, like pesto or a creamy sauce, to switch things up!
- If you have leftover gnocchi, freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for later use.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for creating a Savory #Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico now.
Substitutions for Dietary Needs
- Vegan: Omit the egg and use 1/4 cup of aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead, adjusting the flour as needed.
- Dairy-Free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese or serve with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
I hope this guide has made making Gnocchi con Salsa di Pomodoro e Basilico seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>