Gnocchi with Friggitelli Peppers and Sausage
Category: Main Dishes
Serves: 4
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This hearty and flavorful dish features the perfect combination of tender potato gnocchi, spicy sausage, and the subtle sweetness of fresh friggitelli peppers. Tossed together with juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil, this is a vibrant and satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Gnocchi with Friggitelli Peppers and Sausage is sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato Gnocchi | 650g |
| Sausage (preferably pork) | 350g |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 250g |
| Friggitelli Peppers (Italian sweet peppers) | 100g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Fresh Basil | 4 leaves |
| Spicy Provolone Cheese (for grating) | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by washing the cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and set aside.
- Clean the friggitelli peppers by removing the seeds and inner filaments. Slice them into thin rounds.
-
Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a little of the cooking water.
-
Cook the Sausage:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove (crushed) and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the sausage to the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, but keep the drippings in the skillet for added flavor.
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the sliced cherry tomatoes and friggitelli peppers. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add the fresh basil leaves, tearing them up roughly with your hands to release their aroma.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and the peppers begin to release their flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
-
Combine and Serve:
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan with the tomatoes and peppers. Stir everything together to incorporate the flavors. If necessary, add a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce.
- Gently fold in the gnocchi, tossing them to coat in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Grate the spicy provolone cheese over the top to taste, and give everything a final toss.
-
Serve:
- Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with extra basil leaves if desired. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Italian dish!
Notes
- Tip for Sausage: Choose a sausage with a bit of spice or flavor to complement the sweetness of the peppers and the richness of the gnocchi. If you prefer a milder dish, opt for a sweet sausage.
- Vegan Option: For a vegetarian or vegan variation, replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether and add extra vegetables or beans.
- Provolone Substitute: If spicy provolone isn’t available, you can substitute with any hard cheese, such as pecorino or parmesan.
This dish brings together classic Italian ingredients in a simple yet delicious way. Perfect for anyone craving comfort food with a bit of flair!
