Monday 10 October 2011

Week 25- Gnocchi With Pesto





Hi and welcome to our Vegetarian Kitchen. We have been on holiday in Italy and have brought back delicious recipes from Tuscany. Pesto is a sauce using Basil,Pine Nuts and Olive Oil and one memorable meal was Gnocchi with Pesto Sauce, on a warm night, outside in a leafy, green square, washed down with their most famous wine, Chianti.

Here is our recipe for Pesto, although you can buy this in a jar from some supermarkets.

PESTO

(6 servings)

INGREDIENTS

2 cups of fresh, chopped basil

Half a cup of Olive Oil

3 tablespoons pine nuts

2 cloves Garlic

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese

METHOD

Put Basil, Olive Oil, Pine nuts,garlic, lemon juice, salt & pepper in a food processor and process at a high speed until well blended to a smooth paste. Now add the grated Parmesan cheese.

Before serving with pasta beat in 2 or 3 tablespoons of hot water.

SERVE with gnocchi or pasta of your choice.

GNOCCHI

INGREDIENTS

1 lb Floury Potatoes diced

7 oz Plain Flour

1 small beaten egg

salt & pepper

METHOD

Boil the diced potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes and mash well. Make sure there are no lumps. Add flour and beaten egg and make a smooth dough.Knead the dough and roll out into a long sausage shape. (about half an inch). Cut into small pieces (about one inch long).

Cook Gnocchi in simering water for 2 to 4 minutes until they rise to the surface. Remove from saucepan gently with a spoon.

Serve with Pesto Sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan.

Serve with a side salad or Rocket leaves.

Gnocchi can be purchased in a vacuum pack from your supermarket if you don't want to make your own.