Craving a comforting yet sophisticated meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this Sienna Tavern-inspired gnocchi recipe. This delicious dish, typically found on the menus of upscale Italian restaurants, is surprisingly simple to recreate at home. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece – it's the perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights or a delightful treat for a special occasion. This recipe delivers a healthy meal packed with flavor, making it one of the best recipes you'll find for satisfying your Italian food cravings.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain well and let them cool slightly.
Make the Gnocchi:
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Once cool enough to handle, rice the potatoes through a ricer or mash them very well. Avoid lumps!
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In a large bowl, combine the riced potatoes, egg, 1 cup of flour, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough forms. If it's too sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently for a few minutes until smooth. Be careful not to overwork it.
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Roll the dough into a long rope, about 1 inch thick. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces.
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Use a fork to create ridges on each gnocchi by pressing it gently down on the fork tines. This will give them a beautiful texture and help them hold the sauce.
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Gently drop the gnocchi into the boiling water and cook until they float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
Create the Sauce:
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While the gnocchi is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften (about 5 minutes).
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Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine & Serve:
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Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the tomato cream sauce. Toss gently to coat.
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Stir in the chopped basil leaves.
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Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Variations:
- For extra flavor, use a mix of herbs like oregano or thyme along with the basil.
- Add some cooked Italian sausage or pancetta to the sauce for a heartier meal.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe to feed a crowd.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Asiago or Pecorino Romano would also be delicious.
- If you don't have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them well.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Around 400-450 (depending on variations) Protein: 15-20g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Enjoy your homemade Sienna Tavern-inspired gnocchi! This easy recipe is perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal any night of the week. It's a true testament to the magic of simple, fresh ingredients and homemade cooking, making it a true crowd-pleaser. This recipe showcases how even seemingly complicated restaurant dishes can be recreated with ease in your own kitchen, proving that delicious dishes are within everyone’s reach.