BAKED GNOCCHI WITH VODKA SAUCE

 I am a little bit obsessed with vodka as surprisingly flavour enhancing addition to a creamy tomato sauce and simply had to try it in a gnocchi dish and these baked gnocchi did not disappoint!!!

This is a super easy to make, one pan, vegetarian friendly main that will impress your friends and family with minimal stress in the kitchen.

SERVES 4

INGREDIENTS

VODKA SAUCE

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 large white onions, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, grated, minced, or very thinly sliced
• 200g tomato puree
• 1/4 cup vodka
• 1 cup double cream
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried chilli flakes 

GNOCCHI 

• 2x500g packs of gnocchi 
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese balls
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• fresh basil

METHOD

• Heat butter in a large oven-safe pan over medium low heat. 
• Add the onions and fry until they are super soft and translucent, try not to get them too brown.
• Add garlic and cook for another 5 minutes.
• Add tomato puree; sauté for 1-2 minutes. 
• Add vodka; sauté for 1-2 minutes. 
• Add cream, water, salt and spices.
• Bring to a low simmer until the sauce coats the back of a spoon and tastes delicious. 
• Remove from heat and set aside.Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. 
• Once cooked add them to the sauce in the pan, and stir gently to combine.
• Preheat the oven to 220 degrees celsius. 
• Arrange mozzarella balls over the top. 
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan. 
• Bake for 8-10 minutes until very browned and slightly crisped on top. 
• Sprinkle with basil leaves AND ENJOY!