Why Gnocchi Bolognese is a Great Idea
Gnocchi Bolognese is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home. The rich and flavorful meat sauce pairs perfectly with the soft and pillowy potato gnocchi, making for a comforting and satisfying meal. Plus, this recipe is easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
- 500g potato gnocchi
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 carrot
- 1 celery stalk
- 400g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
How to Make Gnocchi Bolognese
- Peel and dice the onion and garlic cloves. Peel and dice the carrot. Dice the celery stalk.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the canned crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi in a colander.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the pot with the meat sauce and toss well to combine. Serve hot with grated parmesan cheese on top.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Vegan: Use vegan gnocchi and replace the ground beef with crumbled vegan sausage or lentils for a vegan version of this dish.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free gnocchi made with rice flour or potato flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Tips for Perfect Gnocchi Bolognese
- Be sure to salt the water well when cooking the gnocchi. This will help to flavor the gnocchi and prevent them from sticking together.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi. They only need to cook for 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Overcooking them will result in mushy gnocchi.
- Let the sauce simmer for at least 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
- Serve the gnocchi bolognese hot with plenty of grated parmesan cheese on top.
FAQ
How do I make the gnocchi from scratch?
To make homemade gnocchi, you will need potatoes, flour, and an egg. Cook the potatoes, peel them, and mash them. Add flour and egg to the mashed potatoes, and mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes, and cut them into small pieces. Cook the gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the surface.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade. Look for gnocchi in the pasta aisle of your grocery store.
How do I make the Bolognese sauce?
To make Bolognese sauce, you will need ground beef, onion, garlic, canned tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Brown the ground beef in a large pot, and add the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce for 1-2 hours.
Can I make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Bolognese sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How do I store leftover gnocchi?
Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat the gnocchi in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I add vegetables to the Bolognese sauce?
Yes, you can add vegetables to the Bolognese sauce. Carrots, celery, and bell pepper are common additions to Bolognese sauce.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef. However, the flavor of the sauce will be slightly different.
How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
The gnocchi is cooked when it floats to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes 2-3 minutes.
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, you can use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi. Spaghetti or penne are good options.
Can I use a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine in the Bolognese sauce?
Yes, you can use a non-alcoholic substitute for red wine in the Bolognese sauce. Beef broth or grape juice are good options.
