Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a comforting Italian dish from the Sorrento region, near Naples. It features soft potato gnocchi baked in a rich tomato sauce with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The dish is a harmonious blend of tender gnocchi, tangy tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, often finished with a fresh basil garnish. It’s a perfect example of the Italian love for simple, high-quality ingredients that create a dish greater than the sum of its parts. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is often served as a primo piatto (first course) in Italian meals but can also be enjoyed as a main dish.

How to Make Gnocchi alla Sorrentina

Ingredients:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups (500ml) tomato passata or crushed tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 250g (9 oz) mozzarella cheese, diced
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, torn
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• A pinch of sugar (optional, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)

Instructions:

1. Make the Tomato Sauce:

   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until they are soft and translucent.
   • Pour in the tomato passata and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar if needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Stir in a few torn basil leaves toward the end of cooking.

2. Cook the Gnocchi:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook them until they float to the surface, which usually takes just a few minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the tomato sauce.

3. Assemble the Dish:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
   • Gently toss the gnocchi in the tomato sauce until they are well-coated. Transfer the gnocchi and sauce into a baking dish. Scatter the diced mozzarella over the top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan.

4. Bake the Gnocchi:

   • Bake the dish in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.

5. Serve:

   • Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and serve the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina hot, straight from the oven.

Estimated Nutritional Content Per Serving (Based on 4 Servings):

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: ~450-500 kcal
• Protein: ~15g
• Carbohydrates: ~65g
• Fat: ~15g
• Fiber: ~5g

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines carbohydrates from the gnocchi with a moderate amount of protein from the cheese. The dish is rich in flavor yet relatively balanced in nutrients, making it a popular choice for those who love traditional Italian comfort food