Gnocchi alla Primavera

Gnocchi alla Primavera Recipe - Vegetarian Italian Dish

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Gnocchi alla Primavera is a delicious and hearty Italian dish that is perfect for springtime. This recipe features pillowy homemade gnocchi smothered in a flavorful tomato sauce loaded with vegetables. It's a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Gnocchi alla Primavera is a modern twist on traditional Italian gnocchi dishes. The addition of fresh spring vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms gives this dish a light and fresh flavor that is perfect for the warmer months. This recipe is a celebration of the bounty of the season and is a great way to enjoy the flavors of spring.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
0.13 tsp crushed red pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup sliced scallions
1 6 oz (170 g) package sliced cremini mushrooms
1 26 oz (737 g) jar low-sodium tomato sauce
1 6 oz (170 g) can tomato paste
0.33 cup red wine or water
3 tbsp chopped fresh marjoram
1.5 cups sliced zucchini
2 tbsp capers, rinsed
1 1 lb (454 g) Homemade gnocchi

How to prepare

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, heat oil and crushed red pepper in a 5 qt (4.73 liter) saucepan over medium-high heat for 1 minute. Add garlic and scallions. Sauté for 2 minutes, and add mushrooms. Cook the mixture for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to low, add tomato sauce, and stir in tomato paste, wine, marjoram, zucchini, and capers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.
2. Add gnocchi to the boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes, or according to the package directions. Remove from heat, drain, and put into a serving bowl. Combine with the sauce, and serve.

Variations

Add cooked chicken or shrimp for a protein boost.
Use different vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach.
Top with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to sauté the garlic and scallions until fragrant to release their flavors.

- Cooking the mushrooms until they are golden brown adds depth of flavor to the sauce.

- Homemade gnocchi is always a great option, but store-bought gnocchi works well too.

- Don't overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy. Cook them just until they float to the surface of the boiling water.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gnocchi alla Primavera with a side salad and crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine pairs perfectly with this dish.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the sauce helps to develop their flavors.

- Boiling the gnocchi until they float ensures they are cooked through.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade.

- Substitute other vegetables based on what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cook the gnocchi just before serving for the best texture.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gnocchi alla Primavera in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gnocchi alla Primavera with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of this dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 45g

- Dietary Fiber: 6g

- Sugars: 10g

Fats

- Total Fat: 4g

- Saturated Fat: 1g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 6g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 4% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains wheat (gnocchi)

Summary

Gnocchi alla Primavera is a well-balanced meal that is rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. It's a nutritious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a springtime dinner.

Summary

Gnocchi alla Primavera is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for springtime. This recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and homemade gnocchi, making it a satisfying and flavorful meal. Enjoy this Italian classic with your family and friends for a taste of the season.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm spring day and I had just finished helping my Nonna Maria in the garden. The sun was shining, the flowers were blooming, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of fresh herbs and vegetables. As we made our way into the kitchen, Nonna Maria pulled out a worn, stained recipe card from her collection and placed it gently on the countertop.

"This," she said with a smile, "is a recipe for Gnocchi alla Primavera. It is a dish that celebrates the flavors of springtime - fresh vegetables, herbs, and creamy ricotta cheese. I learned this recipe many years ago from a dear friend who hailed from the heart of Tuscany. It has been a favorite in our family ever since."

I watched intently as Nonna Maria gathered the ingredients for the dish - plump, ripe tomatoes, vibrant green asparagus, fragrant basil, and of course, the key element of the dish, pillowy soft gnocchi. As she expertly chopped, sautéed, and stirred, I couldn't help but marvel at her skill and precision in the kitchen. It was as if she was conducting a symphony of flavors and aromas, each ingredient harmonizing perfectly with the next.

As the dish came together, I could hardly contain my excitement. The colors of the vegetables popped against the creamy white gnocchi, and the aroma that filled the kitchen was simply intoxicating. Nonna Maria plated the dish with a flourish, garnishing it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of peppery olive oil.

"Try it," she urged, handing me a fork. "I think you'll find that it captures the essence of springtime perfectly."

I took a bite, and my taste buds erupted with a burst of flavors - the sweetness of the tomatoes, the earthiness of the asparagus, the brightness of the basil, and the richness of the ricotta. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, a perfect balance of savory and fresh, hearty and light. I savored each bite, letting the flavors dance on my palate.

From that moment on, Gnocchi alla Primavera became a staple in our family's recipe repertoire. Nonna Maria would make it for special occasions, Sunday dinners, or just because. Each time she made it, she would impart a new tip or trick, a subtle variation that would make the dish even more delicious. And as I grew older, she taught me how to make it myself, passing down the recipe and the tradition from one generation to the next.

Over the years, I have made Gnocchi alla Primavera countless times, each time with a sense of reverence and nostalgia for that first moment in the kitchen with Nonna Maria. I have shared the recipe with friends, family, and even strangers who have become fast friends after tasting it. And each time I make it, I can't help but think of Nonna Maria, her love for cooking, and the joy she found in sharing her recipes with others.

So here I am, passing on the recipe for Gnocchi alla Primavera to you, dear reader. May it bring you as much joy, comfort, and deliciousness as it has brought me over the years. And may you remember, as you savor each bite, the love and tradition that are woven into every ingredient, every step, and every dish that comes out of your kitchen. Buon appetito!