Gnocchi with pomodoro sauce and fresh mozzarella

An Italian classic. Enough said.

You may be able to buy pre-made gnocchi at you local gourmet store or supermarket. Great if you are in a hurry. If you have the time and inclination though, making your own gnocchi can yield much better results. You can achieve lighter and more pillow-like the gnocchi – clearly a worthy goal.

Gnocchi with pomodoro sauce and fresh mozzarella

Servings: 5 people

Author: Steve Paris

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 medium tomatoes immersed boiling water to remove their skins.
• 170 g tomato paste
• 1/2 cup fresh rosemary
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 10 g butter
• 2 onions
• 8 cloves garlic
• 500 g gnocchi
• 150 g fresh mozzarella cut into gnocchi sized pieces
• 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

• Put the olive oil and butter into a heavy based pad and bring to a medium heat.
• Reserve a few basil leaves for a garnish and add the rest, plus the rosemary and parsley to the pan.
• Fry the herbs until fragrant and crispy.
• Discard the herbs and reserve the oil.
• Finely dice the onion and garlic and simmer in the herb oil until starting to brown.
• Add the tomato paste, stir and cook for 10 minutes until the tomato becomes very fragrant
• Remove the stalky bits from the tomatoes and add to the pan with the onions and tomato paste.
• Cook on a low heat for 30 – 40 minutes until reduced and thickened.
• Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to the boil and add a half teaspoon of salt.
• Add the prepared gnocchi to the boiling water.
• When the gnocchi float to the top of the boiling water, scoop them off and drain.
• Mix fresh mozzarella with the fresh gnocchi.
• Spoon the tomato mixture into an oven proof dish.
• Spoon the gnocchi and mozzarella mixture over the tomato and let it settle in.
• Sprinkle some freshly grated parmesan over the dish, followed by a drizzle of olive oil.
• Put back into the oven and grill until the top is starting to brown.

Notes

Serve with grated parmesan, and a mixed lettuce salad with a delectabilia salad dressing.