Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina has gained a cult following, and for good reason. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, rich tomato sauce, and creamy mozzarella cheese is a match made in heaven. But what if you could recreate this dish at home, without relying on the pre-packaged version from Trader Joe’s? In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make your own Gnocchi alla Sorrentina from scratch, using a few clever tricks and techniques to achieve that signature Trader Joe’s flavor.
Understanding the Components of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s break down the key components of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina:
The Gnocchi
Gnocchi are small, dumpling-like pasta made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They’re typically soft and pillowy, with a delicate texture that’s both comforting and indulgent. To make gnocchi from scratch, you’ll need:
- 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt, to taste
Tips for Making Great Gnocchi
- Use high-quality potatoes that are high in starch, like Russet or Idaho. These will yield a lighter, fluffier gnocchi.
- Don’t overwork the dough! Mix the potatoes, flour, and egg just until they come together in a cohesive ball. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense gnocchi.
- Use a light touch when shaping the gnocchi. You want to create a gentle, rounded shape that will hold its form in the sauce.
The Tomato Sauce
The tomato sauce is the backbone of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, providing a rich, tangy flavor that complements the gnocchi perfectly. To make a great tomato sauce, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup grated fresh tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tips for Making Great Tomato Sauce
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes that are low in acidity and have no added salt. San Marzano tomatoes are a great choice.
- Don’t overcook the sauce! A good tomato sauce should be bright, fresh, and full of flavor. Cooking it for too long can lead to a dull, bitter taste.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes. This will help create a smooth, rounded flavor.
The Mozzarella Cheese
The mozzarella cheese is the crowning glory of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, adding a creamy, melty texture that’s simply irresistible. To make the most of your mozzarella, be sure to:
- Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella cheese. Avoid the dried-out, pre-shredded variety – it won’t melt properly and will lack flavor.
- Slice the mozzarella thinly, so it melts evenly and quickly.
- Add the mozzarella towards the end of cooking, so it has a chance to melt and bubble up in the sauce.
Putting it All Together: A Recipe for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina
Now that we’ve broken down the components of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, let’s put it all together in a recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup grated fresh tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Make the gnocchi: Boil the chopped potatoes in a large pot of salted water until they’re tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Mash the potatoes in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. Add the flour, egg, and salt, and mix until the dough comes together in a cohesive ball. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it gently until it’s smooth and pliable. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
- Make the tomato sauce: Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add the canned crushed tomatoes, grated fresh tomatoes (if using), dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the gnocchi from the water with a slotted spoon and add them to the tomato sauce. Toss the gnocchi in the sauce until they’re well coated.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the gnocchi and tomato sauce to a baking dish. Top with sliced mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves (if using). Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Bake the Gnocchi alla Sorrentina in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Tips for Achieving that Signature Trader Joe’s Flavor
So, what sets Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina apart from the rest? Here are a few tips for achieving that signature flavor:
- Use a combination of canned and fresh tomatoes for a bright, complex flavor.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella cheese for a creamy, melty texture.
- Don’t overcook the gnocchi or the sauce – a good Gnocchi alla Sorrentina should be light, fresh, and full of flavor.
By following these tips and using the recipe outlined above, you should be able to recreate the magic of Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina at home. Buon appetito!
What is Gnocchi alla Sorrentina and how does it relate to Trader Joe’s?
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a classic Italian dish originating from the Sorrento region. It typically consists of potato gnocchi tossed in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, often accompanied by mozzarella cheese. Trader Joe’s, a popular American grocery store chain, offers a pre-packaged version of this dish that has gained a cult following. Their Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a convenient and affordable way to enjoy this Italian classic at home.
The pre-packaged version from Trader Joe’s has inspired many fans to recreate the dish from scratch. By understanding the ingredients and cooking techniques used in the store-bought version, home cooks can create their own authentic Gnocchi alla Sorrentina. This allows for customization and flexibility, making it possible to adjust the flavors and ingredients to suit individual tastes.
What are the main ingredients needed to recreate Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina at home?
To recreate Trader Joe’s Gnocchi alla Sorrentina at home, you will need a few key ingredients. These include high-quality potato gnocchi, preferably homemade or from an Italian market, as well as a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. The sauce is typically made with a combination of crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano. Additionally, you will need fresh mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to complete the dish.
Other ingredients that may be used to enhance the flavor and authenticity of the dish include chopped fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper. Some recipes may also call for the addition of other ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes or Italian sausage, to add extra flavor and texture. However, the core ingredients of gnocchi, tomato sauce, and mozzarella cheese remain the foundation of this classic Italian dish.
How do I make homemade potato gnocchi for my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe?
Making homemade potato gnocchi is a relatively simple process that requires just a few ingredients, including cooked and mashed potatoes, flour, and egg. To start, boil or bake several large potatoes until they are tender, then mash them in a bowl to create a smooth consistency. Next, combine the mashed potatoes with flour and egg, mixing the ingredients together until a dough forms.
The dough should be kneaded for several minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable. It can then be divided into smaller pieces, which are rolled out into long ropes. The ropes are cut into small pieces to form the gnocchi, which can be cooked in boiling water until they float to the surface. Homemade gnocchi can be used immediately or frozen for later use in your Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe.
What type of tomato sauce is best for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, and how do I make it?
The best type of tomato sauce for Gnocchi alla Sorrentina is a simple yet flavorful sauce made with high-quality ingredients. A classic Neapolitan-style tomato sauce is ideal, as it is made with crushed San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and herbs like basil and oregano. To make the sauce, start by heating olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Next, add the crushed tomatoes, salt, and herbs to the saucepan, stirring to combine. The sauce should be simmered for at least 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced slightly. The resulting sauce should be rich and intense, with a deep red color and a slightly thickened consistency. This sauce can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator or freezer for later use.
How do I assemble and cook my homemade Gnocchi alla Sorrentina?
To assemble and cook your homemade Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, start by cooking the gnocchi in boiling water until they float to the surface. While the gnocchi are cooking, heat the tomato sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the gnocchi are done, remove them from the water with a slotted spoon and add them to the skillet with the tomato sauce.
Toss the gnocchi in the sauce until they are well coated, then top with sliced mozzarella cheese. The skillet can be placed under the broiler for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, the dish can be cooked on the stovetop, covered with a lid, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Either way, the resulting dish should be hot, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
Can I customize my Gnocchi alla Sorrentina recipe with other ingredients or variations?
One of the best things about making Gnocchi alla Sorrentina at home is the ability to customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Some ideas for variations include adding protein sources like Italian sausage or chicken, or mixing in other vegetables like cherry tomatoes or spinach. You could also experiment with different types of cheese, such as buffalo mozzarella or ricotta, to create a unique flavor profile.
Other ideas for customization include using different types of gnocchi, such as sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi, or adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. You could also try using different herbs or spices to give the dish a unique flavor, such as basil and lemon or oregano and garlic. The possibilities are endless, and the key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.
How do I store and reheat leftover Gnocchi alla Sorrentina?
If you have leftover Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or frozen for later use. To store the dish in the refrigerator, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. To freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag.
To reheat leftover Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, you can use a variety of methods. One option is to reheat the dish in the microwave, covered with a paper towel, until it is hot and steaming. Alternatively, you can reheat the dish on the stovetop, covered with a lid, until it is hot and bubbly. You could also reheat the dish in the oven, covered with foil, until it is hot and melted. Regardless of the method, the key is to heat the dish gently and evenly, until it is hot and delicious.