Caramelized Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Calories
670 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Caramelized Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Description
Caramelized Gnocchi with Tomatoes and Mozzarella brings together potato gnocchi seared in a mixture of butter and olive oil until golden and crisp on the outside. Simultaneously, cherry tomatoes are sautéed with garlic and fresh basil, balanced by a hint of sugar and seasoned with salt and pepper to create a light sauce. The cooked gnocchi is then combined with marinated baby mozzarella, which adds richness and a tender, milky texture. Fresh basil garnish and optional freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhance the flavors further.
The dish pairs well as a main course for a casual meal or as part of a vegetarian spread. The combination of crispy gnocchi and soft mozzarella with the bright tomato sauce delivers varied textures that make it appealing beyond a simple pasta substitute.
Using the olive oil from the marinated mozzarella to sauté the garlic and gnocchi adds subtle flavor depth. Attention is given to evenly spreading the gnocchi for an even caramelization. Fresh basil is included both in the sauce and as a garnish to preserve its aromatic notes.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cherry tomato buy 2 dry pints
- 1 cup basil packed, fresh, chopped, leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic fresh, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound potato gnocchi whole wheat or regular (or homemade, recipe here)
- 12 ounces baby mozzarella 1 tub, drained, marinated
- basil fresh, to garnish
- parmesan freshly grated, to serve (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by chopping the tomatoes in half. (You will need about 1 1/2 boxes of tomatoes. No need to measure, just eyeball it.)
- Clean and de-stem the basil, then chop roughly.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a medium saucepan and set to medium heat. Slice the garlic thinly. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and saute until it has started to brown lightly, about 1 minute. Add the halved tomatoes (and any juice) and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add most of the basil, reserving a few tablespoons to garnish with.
- Add the sugar and season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn the heat all the way down to low.
- Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, add the butter and 3 tablespoons of olive oil and turn the heat to medium. When the butter is melted and the oil is hot, add all the gnocchi. Stir with a wooden spoon to cover them with oil, then spread them out evenly so they are in one layer. Season with salt and pepper. Set a timer for 5 minutes and do not stir. You want the gnocchi to caramelize and get nice and brown. After 5 or 6 minutes (whenever they have browned), use a wooden spoon or spatula to flip each gnocchi to brown the other side. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until browned, stirring again if necessary. Remove from heat.
- Turn off the burner with the tomatoes. Add the drained mozzarella balls and stir. You want to heat up the mozzarella without melting them too much--they should retain their shape. (If the tomatoes are too hot, wait).
- You can either add the fried gnocchi to the pan with the tomatoes, or spoon the gnocchi onto each plate and top with tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Serve with a chopped basil leaves and grated Parmesan. Eat this with a big salad and some crusty bread.
Notes
- Using olive oil from the marinated mozzarella can add extra flavor when frying the garlic and gnocchi.
- Be sure to spread the gnocchi evenly in the pan to achieve a consistent caramelized crust.
- Reserve some fresh basil for garnish to maintain its bright flavor and color.
- Optionally, serve with freshly grated Parmesan to add a savory finish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 670 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1cup | |
| Calories | 670kcal | 34% |
| Carbohydrates | 48g | 16% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 43g | 66% |
| Saturated Fat | 18g | 90% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 82mg | 27% |
| Potassium | 337mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1621IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 27mg | 30% |
| Calcium | 480mg | 48% |
| Iron | 6mg | 33% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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