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Crispy Gnocchi Caprese

4.9

(7)

Crispy gnocchi tomatoes shredded mozzarella and torn basil leaves on a plate.
Photo by Christian Harder

A smart selection of extra ingredients—most notably, store-bought gnocchi—turns classic caprese salad into a substantial summer lunch. Recipe developer Ali Slagle popularized taking store-bought gnocchi and crisping it in a pan, a technique that ensures a golden brown exterior and pillowy, tender interior. A jar of roasted red peppers provides a throughline of smoke and sweetness that complements the tomatoes.

This recipe is adapted from Alexis deBoschnek’s latest cookbook, Nights and Weekends.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    20 minutes

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

1 large garlic clove, finely grated
1 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained, coarsely chopped
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 Tbsp. (or more) sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar
1 tsp. (or more) Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 17.6-oz. package shelf-stable potato gnocchi
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn
1 cup (lightly packed) coarsely chopped basil
¼ cup (lightly packed) coarsely chopped parsley

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine 1 large garlic clove, finely grated, one 12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained, coarsely chopped, 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups), 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar, and 1 tsp. Diamond Crystal or ½ tsp. Morton kosher salt in a large bowl and generously season with freshly ground black pepper. Toss until red peppers and tomatoes are well coated.

    Step 2

    Heat remaining 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Cook gnocchi, stirring occasionally, until golden brown all over, 8–10 minutes.

    Step 3

    Add gnocchi to bowl with red pepper mixture along with 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, torn, 1 cup (lightly packed) coarsely chopped basil, and ¼ cup (lightly packed) coarsely chopped parsley and stir gently to combine. Taste and add more vinegar and/or season with more salt if needed. Spoon onto a platter to serve.

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