Gnocchi with Seasonal Vegetables and Tuna
This hearty and flavorful dish combines the softness of homemade gnocchi with vibrant seasonal vegetables and the richness of tuna. Perfect for a light yet satisfying first course, this recipe captures the essence of fresh produce and delicate flavors.
Category: Main Courses
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 kg |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 300 g |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fine salt | to taste |
| Tuna in olive oil | 160 g |
| Red bell peppers | 270 g |
| Green beans | 160 g |
| Peas | 130 g |
| Arugula | 80 g |
| Shallot | 1 |
| Fresh basil | to taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | to taste |
| Black pepper | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Gnocchi
- Start by boiling the potatoes in a large pot with plenty of cold water. Once they are soft and cooked through, drain and peel them.
- Mash the potatoes until smooth, then let them cool for a few minutes. Add the flour, egg, and a pinch of salt.
- Knead the mixture by hand until you achieve a soft yet firm dough. Be careful not to overwork it.
- Divide the dough into portions. Roll each portion into a long cylinder about 2 cm thick.
- Cut the cylinders into small pieces and shape them by dragging each piece over a gnocchi board or the tines of a fork to create the classic ridged effect.
- Place the gnocchi on a floured tray, ensuring they don’t stick together. Cover with a cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- While the gnocchi are resting, prepare the vegetables. Start by washing the red bell pepper, removing the seeds and inner membranes, and cutting it into thin strips, then dice.
- Finely chop the shallot.
- Wash and trim the green beans, cutting them into small rounds.
- Roughly chop the arugula, making sure it’s well-drained.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan and sauté the shallot until fragrant.
- Add the peas, red bell peppers, green beans, and arugula to the pan, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat, adding a ladle of gnocchi cooking water if needed to help soften the vegetables.
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Reduce the heat so that the water simmers gently.
- Carefully drop the gnocchi into the water. Once they float to the surface, allow them to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the gnocchi from the water and add them directly to the pan with the vegetables.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Toss the gnocchi and vegetables together, adding more cooking water if needed to help coat everything evenly.
- Flake the tuna and add it to the pan, stirring gently to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and finish with fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your gnocchi with seasonal vegetables and tuna!
This dish beautifully balances the comforting texture of homemade gnocchi with the crispness of fresh seasonal vegetables and the savory richness of tuna. It’s a perfect meal for those looking for a quick yet delicious way to enjoy the bounty of the season!
