When I use the word “gnocchi”, I use it loosely. I dont even know if I can pronounce it properly! The gnocchi I refer to today, is packaged stuff from a supermarket; not the “real” fresh stuff. I’m sure there is a world of difference between the taste, and texture and I intend to try my hand at making gnocchi from scratch one day soon! In the meantime though, this will do…
My mum isn’t a fan of this gnocchi, as she doesn’t like the heaviness of it, or the thick, chewy texture. I think it’s one of those bland (but cheap and filling) ingredients, that allows you to experiment to brighten it up! If I made gnocchi from scratch, I would use delicate flavourings, so as not to over power the taste of the gnocchi. But when it’s packaged gnocchi, it gives me free reign to combine it with salty meats and cheesy, tomatoey, garlicky wonderment mmmmm….
So I went for this:
Gnocchi with tomatoes, oregano & basil, red pesto, tomato puree, shallots & garlic, chunks of gammon steak and broccoli, topped with mozzarella slices
You certainly couldn’t call this dish bland! Here’s what I did:
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
500g gnocchi (I used this one only 79p!)
1 tin chopped tomatoes
2tbsp red pesto
1tbsp tomato puree
1tbsp dried basil
1tbs dried oregano
8 shallots, diced
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 gammon steaks, cut into bitesized chunks
300g broccoli
12 mozzarella slices
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees
Fry the gammon in olive oil for a few mins, then add the shallots & garlic.
Add the basil and oregano, then fry for a further 5 mins.
Meanwhile, boil the gnocchi and broccoli for 3-4 mins, then drain.
Add the gnocchi and broccoli to the gammon, shallots & garlic, then add the tomato puree, red pesto and tin of tomatoes. Give it all a good stir and cook on a medium heat for 5-10 mins.
Transfer it all to an oven proof dish and top with the mozzarella slices.
Bake in the oven for 15 mins, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Enjoy!
Mmmmm….yummy!
It sure was, Glenna 🙂
You have made a good job with what is not a great ingredient. I’ve tried supermarket gnocchi before and it is rather uninspiring, I’ve always meant to make it from scratch but never got round to it!
Me too, the home made version looks sooo good aswell. Maybe we should set up a homemade gnocchi challenge! 🙂
This dish look delicious. I love to see all the melted cheese on top….mmm
Thanks MaryMoh; cheese is a weakness of mines, it’s just so indulgently moreish! 🙂
Gnocchi from scratch is fantastic and easier than you’d think. It’s a lot lighter than the chewy supermarket variety.
Your gnocchi dish looks really good, I’m craving melted mozzarella now!
I’m spurred on to give it a try, will do it soon and post the results 🙂
Mmmm mozzarella…. I crave it always hee hee 🙂
Yummy! Oh my … I need to do it very soon 🙂
It was delicious 🙂 I still need to attempt gnocchi from scratch!