This delightful dish, Gnocchi alla Rustica, is a celebration of straightforward ingredients that come together to create a culinary experience that is both comforting and indulgent. It is a dish that speaks to the heart of rustic Italian cooking, where simple ingredients are transformed into something truly extraordinary.
At the heart of this dish is gnocchi, small, plump pillows of potato-based pasta that are a staple in Italian cuisine. They are the perfect blend of soft and chewy, providing a satisfying bite. When cooked in the rich and hearty sauce, they absorb its flavors, becoming little carriers of the delicious, tangy and slightly sweet taste of the San Marzano tomatoes. These tomatoes a variety of plum tomatoes considered by many chefs to be the best of its kind in the world. Grown in the volcanic soil of the San Marzano region of Italy, these tomatoes have a stronger, sweeter, and less acidic flavor, making them an ideal ingredient for a robust and flavorful sauce.
Italian sausage adds a layer of depth and complexity to the dish. Cooked until browned and crumbled, the sausage releases its juices and spices into the skillet, infusing the entire dish with its rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor. The choice of sausage is up to you – spicy for those who enjoy a bit of heat, or sweet for a milder taste. This meat not only adds a robust flavor but also contributes a wonderful texture contrast to the soft gnocchi.
Mushrooms, another key ingredient, are sautéed until they are soft and just beginning to brown. Their earthy flavor complements the meatiness of the sausage and adds a subtle woodsy note to the dish. The mushrooms also absorb flavors from the other ingredients, becoming juicy and flavorful morsels that burst with taste in every bite.
The sauce, into which all these ingredients are lovingly folded, starts with sautéed onions and garlic, cooked until translucent to provide a fragrant base. The San Marzano tomatoes are then added, simmered and crushed in the skillet to create a sauce that is both rich and thick, clinging to the gnocchi and filling every crevice with its hearty flavor.
The dish is finished with a handful of fresh basil, chopped and folded into the skillet, lending a fresh, aromatic lift to the rich and hearty ingredients. The basil not only adds color but also a sweet, peppery flavor that brightens the entire dish.
As you serve the gnocchi, and the steam rises, the enticing aromas of garlic, tomatoes, and basil dance around the room. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a final touch of saltiness and umami, melting slightly as it touches the hot gnocchi and sauce.
This Skillet Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, and San Marzano Tomatoes (Gnocchi alla Rustica) is more than just a simple dish; it is a celebration of flavors and textures. It is a comforting meal, perfect for a cozy evening at home, yet elegant enough for a special occasion. Each bite is a testament to the power of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something truly magical.
Beverage pairing suggestions:
- Chianti Classico: This is a medium-bodied red wine from Tuscany, Italy, known for its robust flavor profile with notes of cherry, earth, and herbs. Chianti Classico’s acidity and tannins make it a perfect match for tomato-based dishes. The wine’s earthy undertones will complement the mushrooms, while its bright acidity will cut through the richness of the sausage and cheese, enhancing the overall flavors of the dish.
- Barbera Wine: Originating from the Piedmont region in Italy, Barbera is a red wine known for its deep color, full body, and low tannins. Its bright acidity and fruity notes of cherry, plum, and red berries make it a delightful companion to tomato-based dishes like this gnocchi. The wine’s acidity cuts through the richness of the sausage and cheese, while its fruity undertones can enhance the sweetness of the San Marzano tomatoes.
- Witbier: This Belgian-style wheat beer is light and refreshing with subtle spices like coriander and orange peel. Its crispness and slight citrus undertone can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty and savory flavors of the gnocchi dish. The beer’s lightness won’t overpower the dish, and its effervescence will cleanse the palate between bites.
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Gnocchi alla Rustica (Skillet Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Mushroom, & Tomato)
4
servings15
minutes30
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minutesGnocchi alla Rustica (Skillet Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes) is a hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender gnocchi with savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, and a rich, aromatic tomato sauce, finished with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
16 ounces gnocchi
1 pound Italian sausage
3 cups mushrooms, sliced
1 28-oz can San Marzano tomatoes
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup basil, freshly chopped
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. - Sauté the Mushrooms:
Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they’re soft and starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the mushrooms from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the extra virgin olive oil. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent, 2-3 minutes. Add the San Marzano tomatoes to the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. if the tomatoes are whole, gently press to crush them as they cook. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. - Add Gnocchi:
Add the gnocchi directly into the tomato sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to give the gnocchi some liquid to cook in. Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce until they are tender and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. - Return the Mushrooms and Sausage:
Add the cooked sausage and mushrooms back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything and ensure the gnocchi is evenly coated in the sauce. - Finishing Touches and Serve:
Fold in half of the chopped basil. Adjust seasoning as you see fit.
Serve the gnocchi hot and garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.