Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins

Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins Recipe | Vegetarian Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Italy, Sicily | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins is a delicious and unique pasta dish that combines the flavors of broccoli, sweet raisins, and savory cheeses. This recipe is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great option for a special dinner or a cozy night in.

History

Cavatelli Gnocchi is a traditional Italian pasta dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. The word "cavatelli" means "little hollows" in Italian, referring to the shape of the pasta. Gnocchi, on the other hand, are small dumplings made from potatoes or flour. This recipe combines the two to create a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

500 g fresh cavatelli (gnocchi or pasta)
500 g broccoli
1 tbsp raisins
6 tbsp young ragusano cheese (if not available use provolone cheese)
6 tbsp matured ragusano cheese (if not available use parmesan cheese)
extra virgin olive oil
salt
ground black pepper

How to prepare

Clean the broccoli and steam or blanch them in plenty of water with a pinch of baking soda to maintain their vibrant color.
Soak the raisins in lukewarm water and prepare shavings of both young and aged cheese.
Sauté the broccoli in extra virgin olive oil, drain the raisins and add them to the pan. Mix in the gnocchi (cooked al dente in the broccoli cooking water) and add the two types of cheese shavings.
Taste and, if needed, add salt.
Finish with a pinch of freshly ground pepper and toasted pine nuts before serving.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute the broccoli with spinach or kale for a different flavor profile.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or fontina, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the gnocchi al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.

- Steaming or blanching the broccoli with a pinch of baking soda will help maintain its vibrant green color.

- Toasting the pine nuts before serving will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

This dish can be served as a main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Steaming or blanching the broccoli will help retain its nutrients and vibrant color.

- Toasting the pine nuts before serving will enhance their flavor and add a nice crunch to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use store-bought gnocchi instead of making your own.

- Substitute the raisins with dried cranberries or apricots for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the broccoli and cheese shavings ahead of time to save time when cooking. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins in a large pasta bowl or individual plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also complement the flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from the olive oil and cheeses, which provide flavor and richness to the dish.

Proteins

Each serving of Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins contains approximately 12 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body, making it an important nutrient to include in your diet.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the broccoli and iron from the raisins. Broccoli is also a good source of vitamin K, which is important for bone health.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and nuts (pine nuts), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins is a balanced and nutritious meal option that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins is a delicious and nutritious pasta dish that is sure to impress. With a perfect balance of flavors and textures, this recipe is a great option for a special dinner or a cozy night in. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a joyful one. It was a sunny day in the small village where I grew up, and I had just finished helping my mother in the garden. As I walked back towards our humble little home, I could smell the aroma of something delicious wafting through the air.

Curiosity piqued, I quickened my pace and found my grandmother, Nonna Maria, standing over a pot of bubbling water in the kitchen. She was humming a tune as she worked, her hands moving deftly as she kneaded dough and shaped it into small, pillowy dumplings.

"What are you making, Nonna?" I asked, my eyes wide with wonder.

"Cavatelli gnocchi with broccoli and raisins," she replied, a smile playing on her lips. "It's a recipe that has been passed down through generations in our family. Would you like to help me?"

I eagerly nodded, and Nonna Maria showed me how to roll out the dough and cut it into small pieces. As we worked side by side, she shared stories of her own childhood and how she had learned the recipe from her own grandmother many years ago.

"It's a simple dish, but one that holds a special place in my heart," she explained. "The combination of the soft, chewy gnocchi with the sweet raisins and tender broccoli creates a harmony of flavors that is truly unique."

As we sat down to enjoy our meal that evening, I savored each bite, relishing the rich flavors and the warmth that filled my soul. From that moment on, Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins became a staple in our household, a dish that brought us together and nourished both our bodies and our spirits.

Over the years, I have continued to make this recipe, adding my own touch here and there to make it my own. I have shared it with friends and family, passing on the tradition that was handed down to me by my beloved Nonna Maria.

Each time I prepare Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins, I am transported back to that sunny day in my grandmother's kitchen, the smell of the dough rising and the sound of her voice guiding me through each step. It is a reminder of the love and care that she poured into every dish she made, and a testament to the power of food to connect us to our past and nourish our souls in the present.

As I sit here now, reflecting on all the memories and moments that this recipe has brought into my life, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking and the joy of sharing a meal with those I hold dear. And I can only hope that one day, my own grandchildren will have the chance to experience the magic of Cavatelli Gnocchi with Broccoli and Raisins, just as I did so many years ago.