I haven’t had gnocchi for what feels like years. It’s probably only a matter of weeks, but when you’ve got a gnocchi addiction it can really mess up your sense of time. So, I had to remedy this today and made this simple yet delicious gnocchi bake.
I adore tenderstem brocolli and was delighted when I found a pack on offer (I know, I’m really sad). Although normal brocolli is great too, tenderstem is perfect for a week night meal because it cooks so quickly. You can throw it into any dish (within reason) without needing to pre-cook it.
Mushrooms and bacon are classic pairings for brocolli, so they go wonderfully together in this dish. The deep, earthy flavours compliment the gnocchi beautifully. I topped my bake with a little sprinkling of Cheshire cheese – this is a hard, mild, crumbly cheese (if you can’t get Cheshire cheese then any cheese which fits this description will do the job) which just adds another level of taste, plus if a dish doesn’t have cheese it’s not worth having!
Putting the bake under the grill for a few minutes adds a lovely additional extra texture. You have to give this one a go!
This will serve 4 and takes 30 minutes.
Mushroom and Brocolli Gnocchi Bake
200g smoked bacon lardons
300g chestnut mushrooms
200g tenderstem brocolli
1 small glass white wine
200g half fat creme fraiche
500g gnocchi
50g cheshire cheese
1. Preheat your grill to max.
2. Brown the lardons in a frying pan over a high heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and chopped brocolli – cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring now and again, until the mushrooms have reduced in size a little.
3. Add the wine – let it bubble down a little, then add the creme fraiche, gnocchi and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the gnocchi is squidgy to the touch.
4. Season with salt and pepper, pour into an oven proof dish and evenly crumble over the Cheshire cheese. Cook under the grill until the cheese is melted and starting to bubble. Enjoy!
WHAT TO HAVE FOR DINNER TONIGHT 
Mmm that sounds lovely, we will have to give that a go sometime 🙂
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Wow, love the dish! It must taste amazing..:)
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Not a fan of gnocchi, but i’m inspired to give it another go, yum 🙂
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If you’re going to like it at all, you’ll like it in this dish 🙂
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I’m thinking two glasses of wine. 😉 this looks great and i have all the ingredients – i won’t add bacon (don’t eat pork) and i’ll make the gnocchi. Thank you!
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Great! Let me know how you get on!
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you know, one for drinking whilst making this lovely dish! 😉
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Haha, got you! It’s got to be done!
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Mmmmm looks nice!!
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We love gnocchi in our house, it’s so versatile. I usually make it with Greek yoghurt or sour cream, I will have to give this version a go.
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I’m normally partial to gnocchi with a beefy red wine ragu…and lots of parmesan! This recipe might come a close second…bacon mmmmm!!!
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Oooh sounds delicious!
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I found this amazing recipe but I’m going to tweak it for the slow cooker. Do you have a slow cooker or do you want to try the oven version and we can swap notes? (http://simply-delicious-food.com/2013/10/28/beef-ragu-parmesan-gnocchi/)
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Great idea. I do have a slow cooker but don’t use it anywhere near as much as I should!
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Mine is on at least 4 days a week. Did you know you can do desserts in them, too?
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Yes, I definitely need to start using it more often. I love the idea of coming home to dinner already cooked!
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Looks and sounds delicious! I may have to try this soon!
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This looks incredible!! I’m not a fan of broccoli…any suggestions for a good substitution in this recipe? I’m salivating!
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Spinach or peas would work well. Enjoy!
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I substituted sundried tomatoes and a few BBQ chips instead of the lardons to make it vegetarian. It was very good.
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I’m glad you enjoyed it!
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