Gnocchi – 2 ways

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According to Google sources, the proper pronunciation for Gnocchi: nyawk-kee if you want to be Italian; nok-ee or noh-kee if you’re American!??!! However we really don’t care how you say it – it’s ALL about how you serve it. The truth is they are fluffy little pillows that are so underrated – match them with the right textures and flavours and you’ve hit the jackpot!
This recipe has the colours of Italy and the simplicity of a ready meal (ok, not that simple but my goodness this is SO easy!) I love a colourful dish and always feel the need to do something aesthetically pleasing – in every sense. This dish does just that!

I made this 2 ways. One vegetarian, the other with prawns, chicken and chorizo. Let me know which recipe you prefer in the comments below.

Mood: When you’re trying to impress your guests by making something that looks (and sounds) more complicated than it is!

Vegetarian Gnocchi and Mozzarella Bake

This one I made for my parents – even my Dad got out his phone to take a photo. Now that was a proud moment for me! (photo below)
So try this out.. again it’s Quorn I’m using as I LOVE it!

INGREDIENTS:

– 1 Pack of Gnocchi (I love Aldi’s)
– 1 Tin of chopped tomatoes
– 8 – 10 Vine ripe cherry tomatoes
– Half a pack of mushrooms
– 2 Handfuls of frozen (or fresh) carrots
– 1 Pack of Quorn Fillets
– 4 Garlic cloves
– 2 Large balls of Mozarella
– Basil leaves
– 1 Fresh red mild-medium chilli
– Salt and Pepper
– Vegetarian friendly parmesan

METHOD:

1. Boil the Gnocchi until almost cooked – remove from water
2. Cook the chicken and prawns- prawns until almost done, shred the chicken
3. Boil the carrots
3. Line a baking dish with vegetable oil and chopped garlic
4. Add the Gnocchi to the dish, followed by the protein
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes (if this isnt enough, add some passata)
6. Add the mushrooms and carrots
7. Add the vine ripe tomatoes and carefully crush with a masher – just enough so the skin bursts
8. Add salt and pepper and the chopped chilli
9.Stir well
10. Place in the oven at 200c for 10 minutes
11. Remove from the oven and cut up mozzarella slices and place on top follwed by basil
12. Pop it back in the oven for around 10-15 minutes
13. Top with sprinkles of parmesan and salt and pepper

Chicken, Prawn and Chorizo Gnocchi Bake

I was in Aldi one day after work and spotted Gnocchi – every time I’ve ordered it at a restaurant it’s not really blown me away, so I thought I should try it at home my way. Plus, I was struggling on what to make for dinner and I get bored of eating the same old thing!

INGREDIENTS:

– 1 Pack of Gnocchi (again Aldi’s!)
– 1 Tin of chopped tomatoes
– 8 – 10 Vine ripe cherry tomatoes
– 2 Chicken breasts
– 1 Chorizo sausage (Aldi do a great one)
– 1 Pack of prawns (frozen)
– 4 Garlic cloves
– 2 Large balls of Mozarella
– Basil leaves
– 1 Fresh red mild-medium chilli
– Salt and Pepper
– Parmesan

METHOD:

1. Boil the Gnocchi until almost cooked – remove from water
2. Cook the Quorn fillets and then dice into cubes
3. Line a baking dish with vegetable oil and chopped garlic
4. Add the Gnocchi to the dish, followed by the protein
5. Pour in the chopped tomatoes (if this isnt enough, add some passata)
6. Add chorizo chunks
7. Add the vine ripe tomatoes and carefully crush with a masher – just enough so the skin bursts
8. Add salt and pepper and the chopped chilli
9.Stir well
10. Place in the oven at 200c for 10 minutes
11. Remove from the oven and cut up mozzarella slices and place on top follwed by basil
12. Pop it back in the oven for around 10-15 minutes
13. Top with sprinkles of parmesan and salt and pepper

I served mine with garlic bread – perfect to soak up the sauce! Yum!

Cook time: 40 minutes tops!

Enjoy! – Raj xo