Biscuit Gnocchi W/ House-Made Bolognese

When I came up with this recipe, I can’t tell you how relieved I was that it came out just right. The gnocchi is firm, yet tender and takes on the flavor of a true gnocchi and the best part is it super cheap and easy.

For the Gnocchi:

1 can plain biscuits

Water for boiling

Ice water for shocking

For the Bolognese:

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil                               

½ c yellow onion, diced                                   

½ tbs garlic, minced                                       

1 medium carrot, peeled and diced               

1 celery stalk, diced                                        

1-28 oz can diced petite tomatoes               

 2 c water

1/3 lb. ground pork

1/3 lb. ground beef  

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tsp fresh basil, chopped

1 tbs fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese

Start making your gnocchi by cutting all your biscuits into fourth’s. Separate on a nonstick workstation. Roll each fourth into a ball with your hands. Set on workstation and gently press with the prongs of a fork. Set aside. Repeat process with remaining pieces. Start boiling your water. Add gnocchi and boil for roughly 30 minutes. When gnocchi are about 5 minutes from being done, prepare your ice bath for shocking your gnocchi. Transfer gnocchi to ice bath and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Transfer to colander and rinse thoroughly with cold water, moving gnocchi around to remove excess starch. You can start your Bolognese while your gnocchi are boiling.

Heat oil in a large sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, carrot, celery and garlic. Sauté until tender and fragrant. Add tomatoes in juice, salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer. Cook for 7 or 8 minutes. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly. Transfer to blender. Add water and puree until smooth. In the same pot, brown beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon. Drain off excess grease. Return pot to heat and add pureed sauce. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste and stir in gnocchi. Reduce heat to a simmer until sauce has reduced to desired consistency. Stir in basil and cook an additional 5 minutes. When serving, top with parsley and Parmesan and Voila! You have a delicious gnocchi you made with that can of biscuits that has been sitting in your fridge for weeks.