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Baked Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce and Mozzarella
Ingredients:
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- For the Gnocchi:
- 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Tomato Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz/400 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- For the Assembly:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance it out.
- Stir in the fresh basil leaves just before removing the sauce from the heat.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the gnocchi and toss them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent them from sticking together. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish or ovenproof skillet, combine the cooked gnocchi with the tomato sauce, making sure all the gnocchi are well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake the Gnocchi:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden spots.
- If you like a more browned and crispy top, you can broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the baked gnocchi from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with freshly ground black pepper and extra fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the baked gnocchi hot, with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
This baked gnocchi dish is comforting and full of rich flavors, making it a perfect meal for any night of the week. The combination of tender gnocchi, savory tomato sauce, and melted cheese is sure to be a hit!