Indulge in this mouthwatering recipe for homemade gnocchi with a rich and vibrant cherry tomato sauce. The soft and pillowy potato dumplings are paired perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavors of the tomato sauce. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends. Don't forget to sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra savory touch.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of potatoes
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt
- Pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Boil the potatoes until they are fork-tender. Once cooked, peel and mash them in a large bowl.
- Add the flour, egg, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix well until everything is combined and a dough starts to form.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead it gently for a few minutes until it becomes smooth.
- Divide the dough into smaller portions and roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick.
- Cut the rope into small pieces, about 1-inch long. You can leave them as is or press them against a gnocchi board to create ridges for a traditional look.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them until they float to the surface, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
- While the gnocchi are cooking, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to burst and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Crush some of the tomatoes with a fork for a chunkier consistency.
- Once the gnocchi are cooked, drain them and add them to the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi with the sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the gnocchi and sauce, and toss again to incorporate the flavors.
- Serve the gnocchi in individual plates or bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and additional basil leaves if desired.
Interesting Facts
Gnocchi are a traditional Italian pasta alternative made with potatoes and flour.
The word 'gnocchi' comes from the Italian word 'nocchio', which means 'knot in wood' or 'knuckle'.
Cooked gnocchi will float to the surface of boiling water when they are done.
The tomato sauce can also be made with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted cherry tomatoes for a twist of flavors.
Gnocchi pairs well with a variety of sauces, such as pesto, marinara, or cream-based sauces.