Italian vegan gnocchi Sorrentina recipe
Gnocchi Sorrentina is a beloved classic from Italy's Sorrento region, traditionally made with potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Its simplicity and rich flavors have made it a favorite. In our vegan version, we substitute dairy cheese with a plant-based alternative to accommodate vegan diets. Let's begin this culinary journey and bring the taste of Italy into your kitchen.
Gather the following ingredients
For this recipe, you will need 500 grams of vegan potato gnocchi. Also, gather two cups of tomato sauce, which can be homemade or store-bought. Include one cup of shredded vegan mozzarella cheese and a handful of fresh basil leaves for garnishing. For cooking, have ready two tablespoons of olive oil. Season the dish with salt and pepper to your liking.
Prepare the tomato sauce
If opting for store-bought tomato sauce, simply heat it in a pan over medium heat. To make the sauce from scratch, puree ripe tomatoes with garlic, salt, and herbs until smooth. Then, cook this blend in olive oil over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until it thickens. Finally, adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your taste.
Cook the gnocchi
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the gnocchi and cook them according to the package's instructions, or until they float to the top, which should take about two minutes. After cooking, drain the gnocchi thoroughly. Remember to reserve one cup of the cooking water for later, as it may be needed to adjust the sauce's thickness.
Combine gnocchi with sauce
In a large pan over medium heat, combine the cooked gnocchi with the warm tomato sauce. If you find the mixture too thick, add a bit of the reserved cooking water. Do this until you achieve your desired consistency. Stir everything gently to make sure each gnocchi piece is evenly coated with sauce. This step ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly.
Bake with vegan cheese
Transfer the gnocchi with sauce into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the shredded vegan mozzarella on top evenly. Bake it in a preheated oven at 392 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Wait until the cheese has melted beautifully. Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves. This process ensures a delightful finish to the dish, enhancing its flavors and visual appeal.
