Discover the Secret Ingredient to Elevate Your Classic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce!
Classic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce is a delicious Italian dish that combines soft, pillowy potato dumplings with a savory tomato sauce. The secret to making perfect gnocchi lies in using the right potato and having a light touch when combining the ingredients. Want to know the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level? Keep reading!
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Indulge in the timeless charm of Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce, a recipe that has enticed the taste buds of generations. This simple yet flavorful dish originated in Italy and has since spread its culinary wings globally, becoming a classic in Old World cooking.
The recipe’s foundation is built on the humble potato, a food that was initially considered an inferior source of nutrition. Gnocchi was a creative way to transform this rugged vegetable into a culinary delight. It’s believed that gnocchi first appeared in Italy during the 16th century and was considered a direct descendant of Roman dumplings.
Traditional gnocchi recipes comprise of mashed potatoes, flour, and eggs, but modern versions may also include herbs and spices. The gnocchi’s signature shape, small dumplings with slightly sunken centers, is achieved by pressing the pieces against a fork tine, giving it a ribbed appearance and helping sauce cling to it.
The addition of tomato sauce elevates the gnocchi’s decadent texture, creating a balanced, flavorful dish that is sure to impress. This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it perfect for any night of the week or special occasions.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or an enthusiastic beginner, Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce will satisfy every palate. Try your hand at this classic recipe, and indulge in a dish rooted in history and culture.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
Use the Right Potatoes
To make the perfect gnocchi, use starchy potatoes like Russets or Yukon Golds, which are best for baking and mashing. Avoid using waxy or new potatoes, which won’t produce the proper texture and could cause the gnocchi to fall apart.
Be Careful Not to Overwork the Dough
When mixing the dough, make sure to handle it gently and not overwork it, as this can result in tough gnocchi. Mix the ingredients until they just come together and form a smooth dough.
Add Flour Gradually
When adding flour to the mashed potatoes, add it gradually and in small portions, until the dough comes together and is no longer sticky, but not too dry either. Too much flour will result in dense gnocchi and too little will cause the gnocchi to dissolve in the water.
Do Not Crowd the Pot
When cooking the gnocchi, boil them in small batches and in plenty of salted water, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will cause the temperature of the water to drop and the gnocchi to become mushy.
Keep the Sauce Simple
To pair nicely with the soft and chewy gnocchi, the tomato sauce should be simple. Don’t add too many ingredients or spices that will overpower the flavor of the potato. The classic combination is just onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, salt, pepper, basil, and olive oil.
Save Pasta Water
Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi. You can use the starchy pasta water to thicken the tomato sauce and help it cling to the gnocchi better.
Serve Immediately
Gnocchi is best served immediately after it’s made. They’ll quickly lose their texture and become mushy if left to sit and absorb sauce for too long. Also, gnocchi and tomato sauce are best served hot out of the pot.
How Many Calories are in Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce?
Nutrition Facts
4 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 475
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 47mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 86g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 13g
What Drinks Pair Best with Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce?
Wine pairing: A Chianti or Sangiovese would be a great pairing for this classic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce recipe.
Beer pairing: A Belgian saison would be a perfect beer pairing for this Classic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce recipe. The light, effervescent quality of the beer complements the hearty potato gnocchi, while the spicy notes of the saison balance the sweet and savory flavors of the tomato sauce. Additionally, the carbonation of the beer will help cut through the richness of the dish, making it a refreshing and satisfying pairing.
Cocktail pairing: Pair the Classic Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce with a Red Sangria cocktail. The fruity and refreshing flavors of the cocktail complement the tanginess of the tomato sauce and balance the richness of the gnocchi.
How to Make Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 lb potatoes
- 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 24 oz canned peeled plum tomatoes
- 1/4 cup onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Peel potatoes and boil them until cooked.
- Drain and let them cool for a few minutes, then mash them.
- Add the flour, egg and salt to the mashed potatoes and mix until it forms a smooth dough.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes and cut into small pieces.
- Using a fork, make slight indentations on each gnocchi.
- In a saucepan, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil for a few minutes until they are slightly browned.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and stir.
- Add salt, black pepper and basil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
- In a separate pot, cook the gnocchi in salted boiling water until they float to the surface.
- Drain the gnocchi and add the tomato sauce.
- Mix well and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Serve hot and enjoy!