Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Mussels
This delightful dish combines soft, pillowy gnocchi with sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant pesto, and tender mussels. It’s a perfect meal to serve for a family dinner or when entertaining guests. The unique flavors of the sea paired with the richness of the pesto create a harmony that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.
Category: Pasta Dishes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 500g |
| All-purpose flour | 150g |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| Egg | 1 |
| Mussels | 1kg |
| Fresh thyme | 3 sprigs |
| Oregano | 3 sprigs |
| Cherry tomatoes | 400g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Coarse salt | A pinch |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil (for pesto) | 50ml |
| Fresh basil | 25g |
| Pecorino cheese | 15g |
| Pine nuts | 7g |
| Parmigiano Reggiano DOP | 30g |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Gnocchi
To begin, wash the potatoes thoroughly (leaving the skins on), and place them in a pot of salted water. Boil the potatoes until soft. Once cooked, drain them and allow them to cool slightly before using a potato masher to mash them. Spread the mashed potatoes out on a clean surface and create a well in the center. In the well, add the flour and a pinch of fine salt. Begin mixing the ingredients with your hands until the dough becomes soft and elastic. Add in the egg and continue to knead until the mixture is smooth and firm.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into small portions and roll them into 1 cm thick logs. Cut the logs into 1.5 cm pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size. Roll each piece lightly with your thumb on the back of a fork to create the signature gnocchi grooves. Set the gnocchi aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Mussels
While you’re making the gnocchi, focus on the mussels. Scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt or sand. Discard any mussels that remain closed. Heat a little olive oil in a large pan and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the mussels and cover the pan with a lid. Cook on high heat for about 5 minutes, or until the mussels open. Discard any mussels that do not open. Remove the mussels from their shells and set them aside in a bowl. Keep the cooking liquid, as it will add flavor to your dish.
Step 3: Cooking the Cherry Tomatoes and Pesto
In a separate pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss in the fresh thyme and oregano, and sauté for a few minutes until the tomatoes soften and begin to burst. Add the mussels with their juices and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Stir in the pesto and continue mixing to combine everything thoroughly.
Step 4: Boiling the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully add the gnocchi to the water in batches, ensuring they don’t stick together. Once the gnocchi float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), use a slotted spoon to remove them and set them aside.
Step 5: Assembling the Dish
In a large bowl, combine the cooked gnocchi with the mussel and tomato mixture. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure the gnocchi are coated in the delicious sauce. If desired, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the top for added richness.
Step 6: Serving
Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates and garnish with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, pine nuts, and a few leaves of fresh basil. Season with black pepper to taste, and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Homemade Pesto: For an even richer flavor, try making your own pesto with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Pecorino, and extra virgin olive oil.
- Fresh Mussels: Be sure to buy fresh mussels and clean them properly. Mussels that are closed or have broken shells should be discarded.
- Gnocchi Variations: If you want to make this recipe even more unique, try adding spinach to the gnocchi dough for a beautiful green hue.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
This recipe for Gnocchi with Cherry Tomatoes, Pesto, and Mussels delivers a rich and flavorful meal that combines homemade gnocchi with the savory taste of mussels and the fresh brightness of pesto. It’s a great choice for a special dinner or when you’re in the mood for something extraordinary. Enjoy!
