Deliciously Simple Sweet Tomato Gnocchi Recipe

Alright, let me tell you about this sweet tomato gnocchi recipe that’s seriously a game changer. Picture it: soft, pillowy gnocchi swimming in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce that feels like a hug. The first time I made it, I was just kinda playing around in the kitchen, and—wow—I never expected to fall in love with something so simple! The aroma that fills your home when those tomatoes roast… it’s just magical. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting, yet refreshing at the same time, like a warm blanket on a cool day. And trust me, you’re going to want to dive right in.

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s a cozy, feel-good dish that never fails to impress, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
• Sweet ripe tomatoes bring out a natural sweetness that just pairs so beautifully with the gnocchi.
• You can whip it up in about 35 minutes total—great for those busy weeknights.
• It’s versatile! You can throw in whatever veggies you have lying around for a personal touch.
• Fresh basil and Parmesan cheese on top? It’s like a cherry on the cake, trust me!

My family fights over the last serving, and it’s become a staple at our table…

What You’ll Need

• Gnocchi: 500g of these fluffy little pillows, fresh or store-bought works just fine!
• Ripe Tomatoes: 400g, the juicier the better… you want them bursting with flavor.
• Onion: Just one medium onion, chopped; it adds a lovely sweetness when sautéed.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; garlic makes everything better, right?
• Olive Oil: A good splash for sautéing and roasting, oh, it really brings everything together.
• Fresh Basil: A handful of leaves, chopped; it’s like sunshine in your dish.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course! Just those grounding flavors.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated and sprinkled on top; it’s like the finishing touch you didn’t know you needed!

Easy How-To

Step One: Roast Those Tomatoes

So, first things first… preheat your oven, like 400°F (200°C) should do the trick. Then get those tomatoes on a baking tray, drizzle a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast them until they blister and get all soft and lovely—about 20 minutes. The smell alone is worth it, I promise.

Step Two: Make Your Gnocchi Dough

Once those tomatoes are out and cooled a tad, squeeze them to let the juices flow—yum! Now, in a large bowl, mash together those roasted tomatoes with your cooked and cooled potatoes, flour, and a pinch of nutmeg and salt. Mix it until it becomes a dough, but don’t overdo it… you want it comfy, not tough.

Step Three: Shape the Gnocchi

Time to get your hands a bit floury! On a floured surface, roll that dough into long sausage shapes… Cut them into little pieces, and here’s a fun bit, use a fork to press down on each piece to get those ridges. This helps the sauce cling better, and it looks super cute!

Step Four: Cook the Gnocchi

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the gnocchi and wait for the magic—they’ll float to the top when they’re done. This usually takes just a few minutes. Once they’re up, stir them a bit and then scoop them out with a slotted spoon. Easy right?

Step Five: Make the Sauce

In a big pan, add more olive oil and sauté the garlic and onion until they’re all fragrant and translucent. Then, toss those crushed tomatoes in and let it simmer down until it thickens a bit. The smell? Wow, it’s like your kitchen has become an Italian bistro!

Step Six: Combine Gnocchi and Sauce

Now comes the fun part… add your cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss gently. You want every piece to be lovingly coated. Cook for another minute over medium heat, just to let everything mingle together.

Step Seven: Serve & Enjoy

Scoop it onto plates, top with lovely fresh basil and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. It looks gorgeous and tastes unbelievable… nothing like homemade comfort food!

Good to Know

• Try to use starchy potatoes, like Russets—this makes for fluffier gnocchi.
• Feel free to swap fresh tomatoes for canned if you’re in a pinch; adjust those seasonings as needed.
• If your dough is feeling too sticky, just add a touch more flour—it’ll stabilize quickly.

Serving Ideas

• Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed in olive oil and lemon—it adds a nice fresh contrast!

Top Tricks

• Want to freeze gnocchi? Just lay them out on a baking sheet first… once frozen, toss them into a bag—perfect for easy meals later!

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of potatoes should I use for gnocchi?

Go for starchy potatoes, like Russets or Yukon Gold—they’ll give you that light, fluffy texture you want.

Can I freeze gnocchi?

Definitely! Freeze them uncooked on a baking sheet, then transfer them once firm. Super handy!

What can I serve with gnocchi?

Gnocchi goes well with all sorts of sauces, or even just a drizzle of olive oil and some cheese… it’s so versatile!

How do I know when the gnocchi are done cooking?

They’re done when they float to the surface of the water—easy as that!

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Absolutely! Just follow the package instructions for cooking—it’s a great shortcut!

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So there you have it! Sweet tomato gnocchi that’s delightful, delicious, and so simple to whip up. It’s one of those meals that just makes your heart a little happier. Trust me, when you serve this, everyone will come back for more! Enjoy the cooking and the moments around the dinner table… that’s what it’s all about!