Description
This Toasted Gnocchi with Savory Mushrooms and Fresh Basil is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring crispy golden gnocchi paired with sautéed mushrooms, fragrant garlic, and fresh basil. It’s perfect as a comforting main or a hearty side, delivering a wonderful balance of textures and earthy flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Gnocchi
- 1 pound Gnocchi (made from potatoes or a combination of potatoes and flour)
Mushrooms and Aromatics
- 8 ounces Mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, or button, sliced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (roughly chopped)
Other Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- Kosher Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, optional for serving)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients including gnocchi, mushrooms, fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to prepare for cooking.
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s ready for cooking.
- Toast Gnocchi (First Side): Place the gnocchi in a single layer in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown and crispy.
- Toast Gnocchi (Second Side): Flip the gnocchi pieces and cook for another 5-7 minutes until both sides achieve a golden, crispy texture.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a separate pan, add sliced mushrooms with a pinch of kosher salt and sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes until they turn golden brown and release their juices.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Gnocchi and Mushrooms: Transfer the sautéed mushrooms and garlic into the skillet with toasted gnocchi and gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Season and Garnish: Adjust seasoning by adding salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot, garnished with extra basil leaves and Parmesan cheese for an added touch.
Notes
- Use fresh gnocchi for best texture and flavor.
- Slicing mushrooms uniformly helps them cook evenly.
- Do not stir gnocchi while toasting to ensure crispiness.
- Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
- Can be served as a main dish or as a side to grilled meats or salads.
