4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi: Why This Recipe Works
Simplicity at its best: One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need four key ingredients: Italian sausages, tomato passata, diced soup vegetables, and gnocchi. That’s it! The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and hearty sauce that clings to the gnocchi, making every bite a taste sensation. 🍴
Time-saving: This recipe is ideal for those nights when you just don’t have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal. In about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, home-cooked dinner on the table.
Big on flavour: Despite the minimal ingredients, this dish packs a punch when it comes to flavour. The sausages bring a deep, savoury richness to the sauce, while the tomato passata adds a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance it out. The diced soup vegetables offer a subtle, background complexity, making the sauce even more delicious.
The Allure of Gnocchi
Let’s talk about gnocchi for a second. These little pillows of potato goodness are an absolute delight. Whether they’re soft and pillowy or slightly crispy from a quick pan-fry, gnocchi is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sauces. But pair it with a rich, meaty sausage ragu? Oh, you’re in for a treat! 😍
This dish is all about indulgence, but with a surprisingly simple approach. With just four ingredients, you’ll have a meal that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen – but we’ll keep that secret between us! 😉
4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Best Ingredients
Sausages: The type of sausage you choose can dramatically affect the flavour of your ragu. I recommend using good-quality Italian sausages with a nice blend of herbs and spices. If you like a bit of heat, go for a spicy sausage. If you prefer something milder, a classic pork sausage will do the trick.
Tomato Passata: Not all passatas are created equal. Choose a high-quality brand, preferably one that’s made with 100% Italian tomatoes. It will make a difference in the richness and depth of your sauce.
Vegetables: The diced soup vegetables are the unsung heroes of this dish. They add a layer of flavour that complements the sausage and tomato perfectly. Feel free to use a mix that includes onions, carrots, and celery for that classic ragu base.
Cooking Techniques
- Browning the Sausages: This is an essential step that shouldn’t be rushed. Browning the sausage meat caramelises the outside, adding a deep, savoury flavour to your ragu. Make sure to break the meat up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Simmering: Once you’ve added the tomato passata, give the sauce time to simmer. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Don’t forget to stir occasionally, making sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
Serving Suggestions
- Cheese, Please!: A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan over the top of your gnocchi ragu is a must. If you’re a cheese lover like me, add some Pecorino Romano for an extra salty kick. 🧀
- Fresh Herbs: Finish the dish with a scattering of fresh basil or parsley. It not only adds a pop of colour but also brings a fresh, aromatic flavour that lightens up the rich ragu. 🌿
- Crusty Bread: Serve your Sausage Ragu Gnocchi with a side of crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind! 🥖
Invite to Share
I’d love to see how your 4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi turned out! 🍝 Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff. Happy cooking! 👩🍳
Perfect Pairings for 4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are a few pairing ideas:
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- A Light Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the rich, hearty gnocchi ragu. Think rocket, spinach, or mixed greens with a simple lemon dressing.
- Wine Pairing: A glass of red wine is a classic pairing for this dish. Opt for a medium-bodied red like a Sangiovese or a Chianti. If you prefer white, a Pinot Grigio with its crisp, refreshing notes will also complement the richness of the sauce.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you loved this 4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi, here are a few more easy and delicious recipes you might enjoy:
4 ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Who doesn’t love a hearty, delicious, and easy-to-make meal? My 4 Ingredient Sausage Ragu Gnocchi is just what you need to satisfy those comfort food cravings. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 6 fat Italian sausages
- 1 jar Tomato Passata
- 500g diced soup vegetables
- 1 packet of gnocchi
Instructions
- Prep the Sausages: Take the skin off your sausages and pop them into a hot pan. Break up the sausages and let them brown. The aroma is irresistible! 😋
- Cook the Veggies: Add the diced soup veg and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the Sauce: Pour in the tomato passata and half a jar of water. Stir everything together.
- Finish with Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi to the pan and cook uncovered on medium heat for about 10 minutes. Stirring occasionally. The gnocchi should be soft, and the sauce nicely thickened.
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While Italian sausages are my go-to, you can use any sausage you prefer. Just keep in mind that different sausages will bring different flavours to the dish.a
Yes, you can! The sausage ragu can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the ragu and cook the gnocchi fresh.
Yes, the sausage ragu freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove before adding the gnocchi.