This Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make) is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. The roasted tomatoes create a rich base, while the coconut cream adds a creamy texture that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Suitable for both casual meals and special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and delightful taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking.
- Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, you can whip this dish up quickly even on busy nights.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of roasted tomatoes, garlic, and spices creates an irresistible sauce that elevates the gnocchi.
- Vegan Delight: Completely plant-based, this dish caters to various dietary preferences while still being satisfying and hearty.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or side dish; it pairs wonderfully with salads or crusty bread.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essentials you’ll need for this recipe.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or oven-proof dish
- Pot for boiling water
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution for roasting vegetables perfectly.
- Pot: Necessary for boiling water to cook the gnocchi quickly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps in mixing ingredients without damaging your cookware.
Ingredients
- 18 oz fresh grape and/or cherry tomatoes (stems removed)
- 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced)
- 10 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 3/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger root (grated)
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar (or light brown sugar)
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or to taste, stems removed)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 18 oz fresh potato gnocchi (egg- and dairy-free)
- 1 small lemon, juice (1 small lemon yields about 1-2 tablespoons of lemon juice)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed (or to taste)
- 5 tablespoons coconut cream (full fat)
- 1 pinch chili flakes (to garnish, optional)
How to Make Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375ºF/190ºC. This ensures that your tomatoes roast beautifully.
Step 2: Prep the Ingredients
Prepare the vegetables:
Remove the stems from the tomatoes.
Peel the garlic cloves.
Peel and thinly slice the shallots.
Grate the ginger.
Remove the stems from the thyme; chop if needed.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients in Skillet
In a cast iron skillet or other oven-proof dish:
Add the tomatoes, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, coconut sugar, grated ginger, thyme, and olive oil.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until everything is well coated in olive oil.
Step 4: Roast in Oven
Place the skillet in the oven on a wire rack slightly above the middle. Roast for about 35 minutes until everything is caramelized.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
While roasting:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
Add fresh gnocchi once boiling; cook until they rise (about 2–3 minutes).
Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Add:
The cooked gnocchi,
Coconut cream,
Lemon juice,
Fresh basil leaves.
Mix everything together gently.
Step 7: Serve
Add any additional toppings like chili flakes or more cracked pepper if desired. Serve immediately in bowls and enjoy your delicious vegan meal!
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
Serving Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi can truly elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to enjoy this vegan and easy-to-make dish.
With Fresh Basil
- Add a sprinkle of extra fresh basil on top for a burst of flavor and color.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Serve this gnocchi alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet-tart contrast, enhancing the overall taste.
Top with Nutritional Yeast
- For a cheesy flavor without dairy, sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top before serving.
Garnish with Chili Flakes
- If you enjoy heat, a pinch of chili flakes will add an exciting kick to the dish.
Serve with a Side Salad
- A light side salad can complement the richness of the gnocchi and balance your meal.
How to Perfect Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
To make your Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality tomatoes: Opt for fresh grape or cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Feel free to tweak salt and spices to suit your palate.
- Don’t skip roasting: Roasting enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes, giving depth to your dish.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate spinach or kale for added nutrients and texture.
- Experiment with herbs: Try using different herbs like oregano or parsley for varied flavors.
- Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as gnocchi can become soggy if left too long.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
Complementing your Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi with delicious sides can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent choices:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy and buttery garlic bread makes a perfect pairing that everyone loves.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These savory sprouts offer a crunchy texture that balances the creamy gnocchi.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette enhances freshness in every bite.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and contrast against the roasted tomatoes.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds nutrition and vibrant color to your plate.
- Grilled Veggies: A medley of grilled zucchini and bell peppers offers a smoky flavor that complements the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi, it’s important to avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Overcrowding the Skillet: When you add too many tomatoes and vegetables, they may steam instead of roast. Ensure there’s enough space for each ingredient to roast properly.
- Skipping the Salt: Salt enhances flavor. Forgetting it can result in a bland dish. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or old ingredients can compromise taste. Always choose fresh tomatoes and herbs for the best flavor.
- Ignoring Cooking Times: Each ingredient has an ideal cooking time. Keep an eye on the tomatoes while they roast to avoid burning them.
- Adding Gnocchi Too Early: If you add gnocchi too soon, they may become mushy. Wait until the tomatoes are roasted before mixing them in.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Reheating Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread gnocchi in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until warm.
- Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil or water and stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make) gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free gnocchi available at most grocery stores for a gluten-free version.
What can I substitute for coconut cream?
You can use cashew cream or any other dairy-free cream alternative if coconut cream is unavailable.
How do I customize my Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi?
Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini, or switch up the herbs based on your preference!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi is not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious! This versatile recipe allows for customization according to your taste preferences, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Try adding your favorite veggies or spices to make it uniquely yours!
Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make)
Creamy Roasted Tomato Gnocchi (Vegan & Easy to Make) is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted tomatoes with the creaminess of coconut cream, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 18 oz fresh grape or cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium shallots
- 10 cloves garlic
- 18 oz fresh potato gnocchi (egg- and dairy-free)
- 5 tablespoons coconut cream
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375ºF/190ºC.
- In a cast iron skillet, combine tomatoes, shallots, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, coconut sugar, ginger, thyme, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Roast in the oven for about 35 minutes until caramelized.
- Meanwhile, boil salted water and cook the gnocchi for 2–3 minutes until they rise. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the roasted mixture from the oven and stir in the gnocchi, coconut cream, lemon juice, and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately with optional garnishes like chili flakes or nutritional yeast.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
