Gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella

Gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella

Discover the magic of cooking with this delicious recipe for gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella, a dish that beautifully combines tradition and comfort. Gnocchi are those little bites of happiness made from potatoes that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner but also for impressing guests at a special meal.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the gnocchi:
- 500 g potatoes, boiled with skin
- 150 g flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of salt

For the sauce:
- 1 can of tomatoes (400 g)
- 2 fresh basil leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 slices turkey ham (approximately 60 g)
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 250 g mozzarella, grated

The story behind the recipe

Gnocchi are often associated with family meals, having a rich history that dates back centuries. They are a wonderful way to transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes, and each bite takes you on a culinary journey. Each region where gnocchi are made has its own variation, but the recipe you will discover today is simple, quick, and extremely flavorful.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the gnocchi

1. Boil the potatoes: Start by boiling the potatoes with skin until they are soft (about 20-30 minutes, depending on their size). Make sure to check them with a fork; when it goes in easily, they are ready.
2. Peeling and mashing: Once boiled, let them cool slightly, then peel off the skin. Mash them well so that no lumps remain.
3. Preparing the dough: In a large bowl, combine the potato puree with the flour, egg, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you have a smooth dough. It is important not to overmix to keep the gnocchi light and fluffy.
4. Shaping the gnocchi: Dust the work surface with flour. Take a portion of the dough and shape it into a cylinder about 2-3 cm in diameter.
5. Cutting: Cut the cylinder into pieces of about 2 cm. Use a fork to shape each piece, gently pressing on one side to create an indentation. This will help the sauce cling better to the gnocchi.

Step 2: Boiling the gnocchi

1. Preparing the water: In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and 3 tablespoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Boiling the gnocchi: When the water is boiling, add the gnocchi and let them cook for 6-7 minutes, or until they rise to the surface. This is a sign that they are ready. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the water and transfer them to a dish. Drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Preparing the sauce

1. Sautéing the vegetables: In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the crushed garlic and sauté for another minute.
2. Adding the tomatoes: Pour in the can of tomatoes, add salt, pepper, and fresh or dried basil. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

Step 4: Assembling and baking

1. The base layer: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In a baking dish, place a first layer of gnocchi, followed by a layer of tomato sauce and a layer of grated mozzarella.
2. Continuing the layers: Add another layer of gnocchi, turkey ham slices, sour cream, tomato sauce, and mozzarella. Continue until all ingredients are used, making sure to finish with a layer of mozzarella on top.
3. Baking: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for 20 minutes. Finally, remove the foil and let it bake for another 5-10 minutes until the mozzarella is golden and bubbling.

Serving and suggestions

Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with a few fresh basil leaves for an attractive look. These gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella pair perfectly with a fresh green salad and a glass of chilled white wine or, for a non-alcoholic option, with a cold herbal tea.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe for gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella is not only delicious but also nutritious. Potatoes provide complex carbohydrates that will give you energy, while the tomato sauce brings a good dose of vitamin C and lycopene, a natural antioxidant. Mozzarella adds protein and calcium, essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes will provide a different but delicious taste and a vibrant color to your gnocchi.

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
To make the gnocchi vegan, you can omit the egg and use gluten-free flour. Substitute mozzarella with a vegan alternative.

How can I store leftover gnocchi?
Leftover gnocchi can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or add them directly to hot tomato sauce.

Possible variations

To add a twist to this classic recipe, you can try adding vegetables to the sauce, such as zucchini or eggplant, or swap mozzarella for goat cheese for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with spices like chili or oregano for an extra kick of flavor.

Conclusion

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! These gnocchi with tomato sauce and mozzarella are a perfect choice for any occasion, and the result will surely be appreciated by everyone. Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: For gnocchi: 500 g potatoes boiled in their skin 150 g flour 1 egg 1 pinch of salt For the sauce: 1 can of tomatoes 2 fresh basil leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried basil salt pepper 1 medium onion 1 clove of garlic 1 tablespoon butter 2 slices turkey ham - 60 g 3 tablespoons sour cream 250 g mozzarella

 Tags:  gnocchi tomatoes mozzarella