Vegan gnocchi sorrentina: A step-by-step recipe
Gnocchi sorrentina is a classic Italian dish, traditionally made with potato gnocchi, tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil. Originating from the Sorrento region in Italy, this dish is beloved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. In our vegan version, we replace dairy products with plant-based alternatives to create a dish that's both delicious and accessible to those following a vegan lifestyle. Let's get cooking!
Gather the following ingredients
For vegan Gnocchi Sorrentina, assemble 500 grams of vegan potato gnocchi, two cups of your preferred tomato sauce, whether homemade or bought, one cup of plant-based shredded mozzarella, a one-quarter cup of freshly chopped basil leaves, two tablespoons of olive oil for cooking, and a dash each of salt and black pepper to taste.
Preparing the tomato sauce
For store-bought tomato sauce, simply heat it in a pan over medium heat. If making sauce from scratch, blend ripe tomatoes to a smooth puree. Cook this in olive oil on medium for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade sauce will give your Vegan Gnocchi Sorrentina a rich and authentic flavor.
Cooking the gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions or until they float to the surface - this usually takes about two minutes. Drain them well but save about a cup of pasta water for later use if needed to adjust the consistency of your sauce.
Combining ingredients
In a large pan over low heat, gently combine the cooked gnocchi with the warm tomato sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated. Should the sauce appear too dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water to thin it out to your liking. Continue to stir the mixture delicately, taking care not to break the gnocchi, until they are uniformly covered in the savory tomato sauce.
Baking the dish
After combining the gnocchi with tomato sauce, place them into an oven-safe dish. Evenly sprinkle the top with vegan shredded mozzarella. Bake in a preheated oven at 392 F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese has melted to perfection. Once done, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves and serve the dish warm to savor the flavors.
