What To Serve With Pesto Gnocchi

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What To Serve With Pesto Gnocchi

Sauces

Pesto Gnocchi is a simple yet delicious meal. It does not require a lot of time and effort to make, but it is still full of flavor. To truly make your Pesto Gnocchi dish stand out, pairing it with the right sauce can make all the difference.

This section will explore some different sauces that pair perfectly with Pesto Gnocchi:

Tomato-based Sauces

Tomato-based sauces are the perfect accompaniment for pesto gnocchi. They have an intense flavor that pairs beautifully with the combination of herbs and cheese in pesto. Tomatoes add nutrients such as antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins to the meal, making it both healthier and more flavorful.

Some popular tomato-based sauces to serve with pesto gnocchi are marinara sauce, arrabbiata (spicy) sauce, pizza sauce, or a classic Italian ragù. In addition to store bought sauces you can easily make your own tomato based sauce at home – here is a recipe for basil red tomato sauce:

  • Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 cloves of garlic finely minced
  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil finely chopped
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions: Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and onion to the pot and cook for 3 minutes or until light brown. Add tomatoes, parsley, basil and bay leaves to the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes stirring occasionally. Remove from heat once thickened and season with salt & pepper before serving over pesto gnocchi.

Creamy Sauces

Creamy sauces are achieved by mixing together a variety of ingredients, such as milk, butter, or cream and some flavorful additions like herbs or cheese. These types of sauces are especially rich and creamy, making them the perfect accompaniment to poultry and fish dishes.

Some classic recipes include hollandaise, bechamel, béchamel with cheese (Mornay sauce), white roux sauces flavored with mushrooms, onions or peppers (supremes), cream with mustard (Dijon sauce), and crème fraîche. Variations can be created by adding herbs for flavor, such as parsley for Italian-style sauce or tarragon for French-style sauce.

Creamy sauces can also be used in vegetarian dishes such as grilled Portobello mushroom sandwiches or roasted vegetable lasagna. They can also be combined with other ingredients to create mouthwatering desserts like crème anglaise (custard) or chocolate mousse.

White Wine Sauces

White wine sauces can add a delicious, bright flavor to meals by balancing out savory flavors. While you could use any white wine in a sauce, it is important to remember that the type of white wine you use will heavily influence the finished product. Not all white wines are created equal—some have a sweeter taste while others are more acidic; some have light floral notes while others have more complex mineral flavors. Due to its unique flavor, white wine sauces can be used for steak, chicken, fish, vegetables and even pasta dishes!

Here are some common types of white wines that are often used for making delicious sauces:

  • Chardonnay: This full-bodied white is often oaked with buttery and nutty flavors. It pairs well with poultry or veal dishes.
  • Sauvignon Blanc: This tart white has earthy notes and high acidity which makes it the perfect pairing for seafood dishes such as salmon or cod.
  • Pinot Grigio: This light and crisp Italian style of white is known for its lemony zest which pairs perfectly with herbaceous flavors like rosemary and thyme.
  • Riesling: This sweet and fruity yet acidic variety of wine can add both brightness and sweetness to sauces making it a go-to for veggie-based recipes like risotto or roasted vegetables.

No matter what type of sauce you want to make with white wine, it’s important to note that heat intensifies the acidity in your sauce! Be sure to consider this when adjusting the ratio of other ingredients like oil or garlic when adding in your specific type of wine.

Vegetables

Serving vegetables with your pesto gnocchi is a great way to add some more nutrition to your dish. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They also add a great color and texture to your dish.

There are many different types of vegetables which you can choose from, depending on what you like. Let’s look at some popular vegetables that you can easily serve alongside your pesto gnocchi:

  • Carrots
  • Mushrooms
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions
  • Broccoli
  • Zucchini
  • Cauliflower

Roasted Vegetables

Roasting vegetables is a quick and easy way to cook them. When cooked properly, roasting can bring out a sweet, earthy flavor as the natural sugars caramelize and the starches in the vegetables break down. Roasted vegetables also provide extra nutritional benefits from cooking with minimal added fat or oil, making them a healthier alternative to greasy French fries.

When it comes to roasting vegetables for pesto gnocchi, you’ll want to start by washing and cutting them into bite-sized pieces if needed. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper then toss with oil and your favorite seasonings like rosemary, thyme, garlic powder or oregano before popping in the oven at 400°F (204°C). Depending on the size of your vegetables this should take anything from 15 minutes up to an hour; make sure you give them a stir once or twice throughout cooking to ensure even browning.

Here are some great veggies that taste delicious roasted:

  • sweet potatoes
  • carrots
  • pumpkin
  • brussels sprouts
  • cauliflower
  • peppers
  • mushrooms

Once cooked you can add these roasted goodies to pesto gnocchi or enjoy as a side dish!

Grilled Vegetables

Grilling vegetables is a popular and delicious way to prepare vegetables that intensifies the natural flavors. Grilled vegetables are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and can be served as sides, part of a main dish, or on a salad.

Preheat your grill for about 10 minutes to make sure it’s hot enough. Cut your vegetables into one-inch cubes or slices so they can cook quickly and evenly on the grill. Use light oil or fat-based marinades to make sure everything doesn’t stick or dry out while cooking—if you don’t use a marinade, try to lightly oil the vegetables before grilling them with a brush.

When ready, place the vegetables on the preheated grill grates and cook until they’re charred and tender. Different types of vegetables will require different cooking times—for example mushrooms will take around 3 minutes while onions may take up to 10 minutes. It’s best to slightly check if they have softened before eating!

Here are some common vegetable grilled recipes:

  • Grilled Asparagus: Place asparagus onto preheated grill then brush lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and lightly charred—around 4-5 minutes—turning once halfway through cooking time.
  • Grilled Corn On The Cob: Preheat grill then remove corn husks and brush each ear with butter. Place directly onto grates of preheated grill and turn every 2 minutes allowing each side time to cook until crisp tender—total time approximately 8 minutes depending on size of ears of corn used.
  • Grilled Mushrooms: Place mushroom caps onto preheated grill then brush both sides lightly with olive oil seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder then place mushrooms gill side facing up directly onto grates of preheated Grill until cooked through (approximately 3 minutes). Turn then repeat for other side if desired.

Steamed Vegetables

When you’re making a flavorful gnocchi meal, steamed vegetables make an ideal accompaniment. Not only are steamed vegetables healthy and nutritious, making them an ideal side dish for this Italian-inspired dinner, they require minimal preparation while still yielding delicious results.

Some of the most popular steamed vegetables that go great with pesto gnocchi include:

  • Broccoli florets
  • Summer squash slices
  • Asparagus spears
  • Diced bell pepper pieces
  • Thinly sliced carrots

For a complete meal in one plate, top your pesto gnocchi with several handfuls of your favorite combination of these veggies before sprinkling on some freshly grated cheese and/or crumbles of cooked bacon.

To steam your veggies:

  • Bring a small amount (about 1 inch) of salted water to a boil in a large lidded pot; reduce heat to low-medium so the liquid is barely simmering.
  • Add all the chopped vegetables at once and stir gently so each vegetable is touching the hot water surface.
  • Put the lid on the pot and let everything steam for 3-4 minutes until fork-tender — differring kinds of vegetables will take different times to cook so test them to ensure they reach perfect tenderness without becoming overdone or mushy!
  • Drain off any remaining liquid (retain it for veggie broth) and season with salt, pepper or other desired spices or herbs before serving alongside your delicious pesto gnocchi.

Protein

Pesto gnocchi is a delicious, vegetarian-friendly dish that can be served as a main course or side. Adding a protein to the dish can take it to the next level and make it a complete meal. There are a variety of protein options you can serve with pesto gnocchi. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

  • Grilled chicken
  • Sautéed shrimp
  • Fried tofu
  • Seared salmon
  • Crispy bacon

Meat

Meat is a common protein source that can provide your body with essential vitamins and minerals. While the nutritional makeup of various cuts of meat varies, all contain protein and some important B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate and vitamin B6.

These types of meats can add significant amounts of protein to your diet:

  • Beef: Lean cuts like sirloin steak typically have around 22-26 grams of protein per 3-ounce cooked portion.
  • Pork: Pork chops are a great source of lean protein with an average of 23 grams per 3 ounces cooked. Ground pork can also supply you with additional valuable nutrients like iron and zinc.
  • Chicken: Whether you enjoy skinless chicken breast or dark leg meat like the drumsticks and thigh, these parts contain high amounts of protein with 26 grams per cooked 3-ounce portion.
  • Turkey: Turkey meat is also relatively low in fat while providing high amounts of iron and zinc. A 3-ounce cooked portion has around 25 grams of protein.
  • Lamb: This red meat contains up to 24 gm off protein per cooked 3 ounces at a moderate calorie count so it’s ideal for those who choose to watch their calorie intake or follow certain dietary protocols like the Mediterranean Diet.

Seafood

Seafood is an excellent source of both protein and essential vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that seafood may benefit our health in many ways, such as helping to regulate cholesterol levels, reducing the incidence of stroke and aiding in weight management. Seafood provides lean protein without being high in calories, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

In addition to providing essential nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, iron, magnesium, selenium and iodine, seafood is a significant source of high-quality animal protein. Fish is especially nutrient-dense due to its relatively low fat content and the presence of valuable bioactive compounds. High-protein varieties include mackerels, herrings and sardines canned in oil or tomato sauce.

Tuna is a popular choice for many due to its light taste or for sandwiches due to its flakiness when cooked well; however it also contains higher levels of mercury than other kinds of fish (notably larger fish such as shark). Lower mercury choices include salmon, anchovies and mackerel which provide the same amount of protein while being low in fat.

Other seafood foods that are high in protein include:

  • Oysters (which are also extremely good sources of zinc)
  • Mussels
  • Clams
  • Shrimp which contain around 15-20g per 100g.

Tofu

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food made from condensed soy milk that has been pressed into soft white blocks. It is an important source of protein in many vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as being a useful addition to meals of people who eat meat. The main flavors that tofu takes on are the sauces or marinades it is cooked with; it has little taste of its own.

Tofu comes in a variety of textures – firm, extra firm, silken and cream – and can be used interchangeably depending on the type of dish you’re making. Firm and extra-firm types can be crumbled and added to soups or stews; pressed together for burgers; fried into cubes for stir-fry dishes; grated for filling for dumplings; blended for sauces; cut into strips for sandwiches or casseroles; blended with oil and spices for salad dressings; stewed in broth for a savory side dish or desert topping; dressed with herbs for light entrées salads; seared and basted with sauces for dishes like kung pao tofu; pureed fresh herbs, garlic & ginger to make spreads like herb puree tofu skewers.

Tofu is packed full of essential nutrients such as minerals including magnesium and zinc, as well as complete proteins which contain all nine essential amino acids needed by the human body. It also contains fibres, vitamins B1 & B2 (thiamin & riboflavin) necessary to maintain good health. Tofu is low in calories so it can be incorporated into meal plans focused on weight management helping you satisfy hunger without sacrificing nutrition due to its high protein content.

Cheese

Pesto gnocchi is a classic Italian dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish. The savory, creamy pesto sauce enhances the pillowy gnocchi, making it a tasty and comforting meal. Adding cheese to your pesto gnocchi can take it to the next level. Cheese will add a nutty, savory flavor and a creamy texture, making the dish even more delicious.

Let’s look at the different cheeses that can be used to elevate your pesto gnocchi:

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard, granular cheese made from skimmed or partially skimmed cow’s milk. It has a sharp, nutty taste and a crumbly texture that make it popular for grating over pasta dishes as well as salads and soups. Parmesan fits particularly well with Pesto Gnocchi due to its slightly sweet and nutty flavor that goes especially well with the garlic and other flavors found in pesto sauce.

This type of cheese is usually served with freshly grated Parmesan over top of the dish right before serving for maximum flavor and crunch. When choosing Parmesan for your dish, make sure to avoid the pre-grated varieties, as it typically does not have the same quality and freshness.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic Italian cheese traditionally made from the milk of water buffalos. It is a semi-soft white cheese that is known for its unique flavor and easily pullable texture. In the United States, most mozzarella is made with cow’s milk and can come in various shapes and sizes, including low-moisture ball-shaped “bocconcini”, cylinders, blocks and slices. For the fullest flavour, it should be eaten freshly made rather than precut or pre-shredded.

Mozzarella has become popular in many dishes due to its mild taste and stringy texture. Commonly found on pizza and lasagna dishes, this cheese provides a creamy layer of deliciousness to any meal along with ample calcium! It can also be used as an ingredient in:

  • Grilled cheese sandwiches
  • Stuffed hamburgers or quesadillas
  • Melted atop pasta bakes
  • Substituted for American cheese in BLTs for an upgrade in flavour

Mozzarella acts as an ideal substitute for provolone or cheddar cheeses when you’re looking for something with less bite or saltiness, adding just the right amount of creaminess to salads, sandwiches wraps and other dishes – giving even vegan versions of traditional meals some added pizzazz without compromising on flavor.

Ricotta

Ricotta is a creamy and fluffy Italian cheese made from sheep’s, cow’s or goat’s whey left over from the production of other cheeses. Though it is sometimes mistaken for cottage cheese, ricotta is much softer because it is not drained of its whey, as cottage cheese typically is. Ricotta has a slightly sweet flavor and a soft texture that crumbles easily. It is a versatile cheese that can be used to make delicious pastas, desserts, salads, sauces and more.

There are several different types of ricotta available to choose from, including:

  • Fresh ricotta sold in tubs or wrapped in cloth;
  • Dried and grated;
  • Granulated;
  • Pasteurized ricotta for making lasagne or cannelloni;
  • Mascarpone – a similar product that has been thickened and smoothed;
  • Ricottone – a smooth version good for mousses;
  • Ricottina –very soft cooked curd-like cheese with a sweet taste like ice cream;
  • Smoked and salted ricotta – with an intensely salty taste ideal for antipasti or salads.

Different regions produce their own varieties, resulting in unique flavors depending on the local ingredients used to make the cheese. Ricotta may be composed of whole milk or partially skimmed milk depending on regional customs or personal preference.

Herbs

Herbs are an excellent way to add flavor and freshness to your pesto gnocchi dish. There are a variety of herbs that pair nicely with pesto gnocchi, such as parsley, basil, oregano, rosemary and thyme. You can either chop up the fresh herbs and sprinkle them over the dish, or use them as a garnish. With a few simple herbs, you can take your pesto gnocchi dish to the next level.

Try adding the following herbs to your pesto gnocchi dish:

  • Parsley
  • Basil
  • Oregano
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme

Basil

Basil is among the most popular herbs for use with pesto gnocchi. Not only does it provide a wonderful flavor, but it has also been purported to have many health benefits. It is an antioxidant that helps support joint health, has anti-inflammatory properties, helps boost your immune system, and may reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

When selecting basil for pesto gnocchi, look for leaves that are bright green with no yellowing or bruising. Fresh basil gives off an aroma similar to anise when crushed and releases a sweet pungent flavor when added to any dish. It pairs nicely with garlic, butter, olive oil and citrus such as lemon or lime juice.

Basil can be used in numerous ways when making pesto gnocchi from adding just before serving as a topping or mixed into the sauce until smooth and creamy. You can also mix it into the dough prior to forming your gnocchi so that every bite captures its intense flavor. Fresh basil should always be added at the last minute to preserve its flavor and aroma.

Enjoy!

Parsley

Parsley is an herb widely used in culinary and medicinal practices. In cooking, parsley is often used to enhance the flavor of sauces, salads, and main dishes. Additionally, its mild flavor blends well with many other herbs, such as garlic and oregano.

Parsley most commonly refers to curly-leafed parsley (Petroselinum crispum) or flat-leafed parsley (P. neapolitanum), but there are over 41 species included in the genus Petroselinum.

Parsley is an excellent source of many essential vitamins such as vitamins A, C, E and K. Additionally, it contains trace minerals like calcium and iron that are beneficial to a healthy diet.

Medicinally, it has been shown to contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has long been used for its therapeutic effects on digestion issues like IBS or Crohn’s disease. It can also help reduce urinary tract infections by acting as a diuretic agent that increases urine output.

Oregano

Oregano is a fragrant and flavorful herb that’s perfect for adding a little extra flavor to your dish. This herb has a woodsy, earthy flavor that works well when combined with other herbs like basil, garlic and thyme. It also pairs well with vegetables such as roasted tomatoes or mushrooms.

Because of its strong flavor, oregano should be used in small amounts to prevent overpowering the dish. When cooking with oregano, it’s best to add it at the end of the cooking process so that its flavor remains distinct and prominent. When combining oregano with other herbs, try using equal parts of each one for the best results.

The combination of oregano, basil and garlic in pesto sauce makes for an incredibly delicious dish served over gnocchi or any other type of pasta. Adding some freshly shredded parmesan cheese will make this traditional Italian dish even tastier!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are some traditional side dishes to serve with pesto gnocchi?

A: Typically, Pesto Gnocchi is served with a side of roasted vegetables, such as eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You could also serve it with a green salad, roasted asparagus, or a roasted tomato and garlic sauce.

Q: What type of wine pairs best with pesto gnocchi?

A: Pesto Gnocchi pairs best with a light-bodied white wine, such as a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. For a red option, a light-bodied variety such as a Pinot Noir would be a great choice.

Q: Are there any other sauces that can be served with pesto gnocchi?

A: Yes, pesto gnocchi can be served with a variety of sauces. Some of the most popular options include a classic tomato sauce, a creamy cheese sauce, or a pesto cream sauce.