Saturday, September 7, 2013

Baked Gnocchi

 Even though it is still very warm here in Florida, there is nothing better than a baked comfort dish. We often do a quick stove-top gorgonzola gnocchi which is great, but this one really hit the spot. Using what I had on hand, fresh tomatoes and greens...that does seem to be a common thread with me...and cotija and fresh asiago cheese (I know that's strange but it's what I had). If you want it more saucy you can add tinned chopped tomatoes.


 Baked Gnocchi with Tomato and Spinach
  • 1 package gnocchi (500g)
  • 1 teaspoon herbs (you can use Italian I use Penzey's Parisien Bonnes Herbes )
  • 1 tomato diced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 chopped garlic cloves (or garlic seasoning)
  • 3 tablespoons grated cotija (or Parmesan)
  • 1 tablespoons tomato paste or 2 T tomato sauce if that is what you have 
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 or 4 tablespoons cream/yogurt
  • large handful fresh spinach, chopped (or chopped frozen) 
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 4 oz mozzarella, sliced
Method:
Cook the gnocchi according to the directions on the package. In the meantime, make the sauce, in a sauce pan add a little oil, heat it and add the garlic and paprika and cook for 30 seconds, then add all of the tomatoes and the sugar, allow to simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cream/yogurt, spinach and seasoning. When the gnocchi is floating at the top remove with a slotted spoon and add to the sauce, stir in the cotija/parmesan cheese...transfer to a baking  top with the mozzarella. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the mozzarella is melted and golden. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
 Of course you can add bacon or mushrooms or kale or cilantro, or any kind of cheese you like...to make it your own. I have just started using gnocchi, and my daughter just loves it enough so she will prepare it herself! Now I will have to have her make the gnocchi from scratch!

14 comments:

  1. Exactly...there is nothing better than a baked comfort dish! Your baked gnocchi looks super!

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  2. Replies
    1. Thanks Sheri, it was nice is was a quick fix too!

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  3. This looks so delicious, and I would love to make it, but I have serious gnocchi fear.

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  4. Lyndsey, your baked gnocchi is so comforting and very inviting. Love the ooey-gooey goodness of the combined flavors, and certainly love both versions of it. Making it homemade is such a huge chore...I prefer making fresh pasta for spaghetti to the tedious work of fresh homemade gnocchi. There's such a choice of store bought gnocchi which really is fresh in a vacuum package...versus the frozen kind.

    So good to see you back again...just take things one day at a time! xo

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    1. Thanks Elisabeth, it is a comfort to hear you say so :)

      It is also good to know that the vacuum pack of gnocchi (which I used here)is good enough without all the work. My dad used to make fresh noodle for his beef and noodles dish he would make...gave me the recipe, so simple. He also had an awesome cinnamon roll recipe I plan to try soon!

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  5. hello lyndsey, always glad to see your comments and hey, dont worry about missing on old posts. I couldnt get the packaged gnocchi here, otherwise i would love to try..nope, dont have the courage to make from scratch yet..hehe..you take care, Lyn!

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  6. oh gnocchi! I have loved it when I've had it out, but haven't liked it at home. This recipe looks like it would make it delicious!

    We are full on into fall here. Supposed to freeze this week. Comfort food has been on my mind. :)

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  7. Lyndsey, your post makes me want to make gnocchi again. It has been a long time since I seriously bake, cook, take photos and write a post after I broke my foot six months ago. That mess up my head. LOL! KIV your recipe and will try it when I feel up to it. It is good to see you and Ping back blogging again. Hugs.

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  8. Lyndsey, I'm guessing this dish has a great soft comforting mouth-feel. It's something nice to hold on to and scoop in front of the TV :)

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  9. Just mouthwatering...looks delicious!

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  10. this is cool never tried cooking gnocchi this way

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