Gnocchi with Tomato and Eggplant Sauce
From the Junior MasterChef cookbook
From the Junior MasterChef cookbook
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon caster sugar
- 500 grams eggplant (1large eggplant) cut into 1cm cubes
- 60 ml olive oil (1/4 cup)
- 2 400g cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon finely shredded basil, plus extra to serve
- 500 grams fresh ricotta
- 150 grams pecorino romano, or parmesan, grated plus extra to
- 1/4 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- 300 grams plain flour (2 cups)
- Carbohydrate 4.23107620365958 g
- Cholesterol 46.53 mg
- Fat 1.24991802913834 g
- Fiber 0.134999994757112 g
- Protein 1.56596346158546 g
- Saturated Fat 0.446002019439511 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (17g)
- Sodium 15.8884615385903 mg
- Sugar 4.09607620890247 g
- Trans Fat 0.214116153900874 g
- Calories 34 calories
Step-by-step
- Season eggplant well with salt and set-aside for 20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, for the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, tomatoes and sugar, season, then bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for eight minutes or until thickened. Stir in shredded basil.
- Rinse eggplant and pat dry. Heat remaining oil in a large frying pan. Cook eggplant for 6 minutes, turning or until golden. Drain on paper towel, then stir into tomato sauce. Set-aside.
- For the gnocchi, place ricotta, pecorino, egg, nutmeg and 35g (1/4 cup) flour in a bowl. Season. Using your hands, mix to form a soft dough. Add remaining flour and mix to a stiff dough. Transfer dough to a floured surface and roll into 4 logs. Cut each roll into 8 pieces. Gently roll each ball of gnocchi over the back of a fork to create little ridges.
- Bring a pan of water to the boil. Cook gnocchi for 2 minutes or until they rise to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Add drained gnocchi to the pan of sauce, then stir over a low heat until warmed through. Serve with extra basil and pecorino.
A Simple Italian Delight: My Gnocchi with Tomato and Eggplant Sauce
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. This gnocchi with tomato and eggplant sauce is one such dish. It's quick, easy to make, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that transport you straight to a sun-drenched Italian trattoria, even if you're just enjoying it in your own kitchen.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques, no obscure ingredients – just fresh, quality produce brought together in perfect harmony. The creamy ricotta gnocchi, tender eggplant, and rich tomato sauce complement each other beautifully, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. It's a dish I can easily whip up on a weeknight, knowing that I'm providing my family with a healthy and satisfying meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The kids adore it, and even my picky husband asks for seconds.
The process of making the gnocchi is surprisingly therapeutic. The act of rolling the dough, creating those characteristic ridges, is meditative. It's a nice way to unwind after a long day at the office, and the scent of garlic and basil fills the air, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Once the gnocchi are cooked, the vibrant eggplant and tomato sauce provides a beautiful counterpoint to the soft, fluffy gnocchi. It’s a meal that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
Beyond the convenience and delicious taste, this dish also offers a sense of accomplishment. Knowing that I've created something so satisfying and wholesome from scratch is incredibly gratifying. It's a small act of self-care, a way to connect with my family through food, and a testament to the fact that even the busiest lives can still accommodate a delicious homemade meal.
The secret ingredient? Love. Not literally, of course, but the time and care I put into choosing fresh ingredients and preparing the dish with intention. It's a small detail, but it makes all the difference. This isn't just a meal; it's a moment of connection, a way to nourish my family and myself, both physically and emotionally.
I highly recommend trying this recipe. It’s a fantastic dish for any occasion, whether it's a casual weeknight dinner or a more special get-together. And most importantly, it’s a dish that reminds me of the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. The satisfying texture of the homemade gnocchi, the comforting warmth of the sauce, and the burst of fresh basil—all combined to create a culinary experience that is both delightful and deeply satisfying. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
