Cheese gnocchi in pepper sauce

Delicious cheese gnocchi in pepper sauce

If you’re looking for a simple and quick recipe for a delicious lunch or dinner, cheese gnocchi in pepper sauce is the perfect choice. This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also bring warm memories, rooted in rich culinary traditions. Gnocchi are a versatile dish, and the combination with roasted pepper sauce gives them a special touch. Here’s how to prepare them step by step for a perfect result.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

For the gnocchi:
- 500 g cottage cheese (fresh cheese with high moisture content is ideal)
- 1 egg (preferably at room temperature for better incorporation)
- 25 g flour + ½ cup flour for shaping
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (a hint of flavor that perfectly complements the cheese)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper

For the pepper sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter (for a rich taste)
- 2 garlic cloves, sliced
- 300 g roasted red peppers, peeled (you can use canned or fresh peppers)
- 500 ml heavy cream (make sure it has a fat content of at least 30% for a creamy texture)
- Salt and white pepper, to taste

Step by step

1. Preparing the pepper sauce

Start by preparing the sauce, as it will need a few minutes to thicken. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic slices and sauté them gently until golden, being careful not to burn them, as burnt garlic becomes bitter.

Once the garlic has released its aroma, add the sliced roasted peppers. Stir everything for a few minutes, then add the cream. Mix well and let the sauce simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Finally, season with salt and white pepper to taste. When ready, remove the sauce from the heat and blend it until smooth and creamy, then return it to the skillet.

2. Preparing the gnocchi

In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese with the egg, flour, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix the ingredients until you obtain a homogeneous and slightly sticky dough.

On a clean surface, sprinkle ½ cup of flour. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the flour and, with wet hands, shape it into a thin roll about 2 cm in diameter. Cut the roll into small pieces (about 2 cm each) to form the gnocchi.

3. Boiling the gnocchi

In a large pot, add water and salt and bring to a boil. When the water starts boiling, add the gnocchi, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. The gnocchi are ready when they rise to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer them to a bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Assembling the dish

Heat the pepper sauce over low heat. In a deep plate, place a ladle of pepper sauce, then add a portion of gnocchi on top. You can garnish with a few fresh basil or parsley leaves for a pleasing appearance and added aroma.

Serving suggestions and variations

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or a tomato and cucumber salad, which will provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy pepper sauce. If you want to surprise your family or friends, you can add a few slices of mozzarella to the pepper sauce for extra flavor and a silky texture.

Helpful tips:
- If you want lighter gnocchi, use well-drained cottage cheese and a little less flour.
- Experiment with various spices added to the gnocchi, such as dried basil or oregano, for a distinct flavor.
- You can turn this recipe into a vegetarian version by adding sautéed vegetables or mushrooms to the sauce.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This cheese gnocchi recipe contains approximately 450 calories per serving, providing a rich source of protein due to the cheese and egg. Additionally, the pepper sauce adds vitamins A and C, essential for immune system health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor.

2. Can I freeze the gnocchi?
Yes, gnocchi can be frozen before being boiled. Place them on a tray in the freezer to firm up, then transfer them to an airtight container. Boil them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

3. What drinks pair well with this dish?
A dry white wine or fresh lemonade are excellent choices that complement the rich flavor of the pepper sauce.

Cheese gnocchi in pepper sauce is a recipe that not only offers a delicious taste but also an opportunity to enjoy cooking. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones and savor every bite!

 Ingredients: For 4-6 servings 500 g of cow cheese 25 g of flour - 1 tablespoon 1 egg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper To make gnocchi - 1/2 cup of flour For the sauce 1 tablespoon of butter 2 cloves of garlic sliced 300 g of roasted and peeled red peppers 500 ml of cream for whipping salt, white ground pepper