Eggplant and gnocchi in a spicy tomato sauce brings together tender eggplant, soft potato dumplings, and a sauce seasoned with garlic, chili flakes, and herbs. Tomato paste adds richness, while smoked paprika gives the sauce a subtle smoky flavor. Fresh basil finishes the dish, with grated cheese as an optional topping.
The eggplant is cooked first so it can soften before the tomatoes are added. The gnocchi is boiled separately, then gently tossed into the sauce and heated through. Adjust the chili flakes to your taste, and serve immediately while the gnocchi is tender and evenly coated.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Video
Eggplant and Gnocchi in a Spicy Tomato Sauce
Eggplant and gnocchi in a spicy tomato sauce with garlic, herbs, and fresh basil. An easy Italian-inspired vegetarian dinner that's hearty, flavorful, and ready in 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
soup pot with lid
Large Deep Frying Pan
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to the package directions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced eggplant and cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and tender.
- Stir in the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- while the sauce simmers, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and gently toss until evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
- Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan-style cheese made with vegetarian rennet., if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
• Cut the eggplant into evenly sized pieces so they soften at a similar rate. The pieces should be tender through the center before serving.
• Use a large frying pan and avoid crowding the eggplant, which makes browning more difficult.
• For a milder sauce, start with less than the listed teaspoon of chili flakes. Taste before adding more.
• Cook the gnocchi according to its package directions while the sauce simmers. Toss gently when combining to keep the dumplings intact.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a little gnocchi cooking water before combining. Add only enough to help the sauce coat the dumplings.