Delectable Gnocchi Recipe

Description

Gnocchi (pronounced nyo-kee) is the name for round dumplings made with flour and potatoes, or with semolina or yellow polenta flour. They are perhaps one of the most ancient homemade pastas made by cutting small pieces from the dough and cooking them in boiling water. They can be purchased either commercially or made artisanally.

Preparing gnocchi at home is one of the techniques handed down from mother to daughter, and they represent the great Italian culinary heritage. The way that flour and potatoes are kneaded together to form a firm but elastic dough is part of the muscle memory of women who have always performed this ancient ritual. The dough is formed into small ropes and cut into pieces about an inch long. Gnocchi are boiled in plenty of salted water, drained with a perforated ladle as soon as they float and then topped with a chosen sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion , finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves , crushed
• 120g chorizo , diced
• 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
• 1 tsp caster sugar
• 600g fresh gnocchi
• 125g mozzarella ball, cut into chunks
• small bunch of basil , torn
• green salad , to serve

Steps

1. Heat the oil in a medium pan over a medium heat.
2. Fry the onion and garlic for 8-10 mins until soft.
3. Add the chorizo and fry for 5 mins more. Tip in the tomatoes and sugar, and season.
4. Bring to a simmer, then add the gnocchi and cook for 8 mins, stirring often, until soft. Heat the grill to high.
5. Stir ¾ of the mozzarella and most of the basil through the gnocchi.
6. Divide the mixture between six ovenproof ramekins, or put in one baking dish.
7. Top with the remaining mozzarella, then grill for 3 mins, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Season, scatter over the remaining basil and serve with green salad.