Soulful Meal
I can’t help but pen down a small note with this soulful meal that I cooked for myself today. As someone who always stays in my comfort zone, I am usually sceptical about trying new foods. I’ve even dealt with anxiety and panic over trying food that is new to me. But somehow, over time, I have changed my views as I have developed a liking for where I stay and for the lovely foods that are available to me.
On a recent visit to the local farmers’ market, I came across a tiny, or may I say ‘petite’ stall, selling what looked like Italian delicacies. From the corner of my eye, I saw raviolis, gnocchi, lasagna, fresh tomato sauce, and so much more. I passed by this stall a few times; again, it was due to scepticism that I did not approach the stall. All I did was wonder and debate if I should try the pastas on offer there. And then, suddenly, almost as if it was a sign, I found a farmer selling fresh cherry tomatoes on the vine. I was absolutely delighted to see such fresh, round, ripe, and sweet-looking tomatoes. And just like that, it all made sense to me. Cherry tomatoes + basil gnocchi = magic. I hurried back to the pasta stall, hoping that the pasta wasn’t sold out. I stood at the stall for a good 10 minutes, carefully examining and googling each type of pasta; I wanted to make sure I picked the most scrumptious one. After choosing 2 pastas, and paying just 2 Euros, I walked a few steps ahead only to realise that I bought pasta only enough for 2 bites! I turned right around to the owner of the stall, who was a sweet, Italian ( I think so ) man and was more than happy to sell me more pasta.
I could hardly contain my excitement in putting together the ingredients that I had bought and finally decided to make the basil gnocchi this morning. So, here it is, my recipe of the quickest, most delectable, run-back-to-get-some-more gnocchi.
Ingredients needed :
Gnocchi (any kind, if flavoured, even better ): 200 gm
Garlic cloves: 2 (small)
Cherry tomatoes: 100–150 gm
Butter: 1 tsp
Olive oil: 1 tsp
Salt to taste
Pepper
Herbs de Provence
Fresh basil
Boil water, and add gnocchi to it. Continue boiling for 4–5 minutes.
Strain the gnocchi and separate it so that it doesn’t stick with each other.
In a large non-stick pan, heat up olive oil and butter and add in the finely chopped garlic ( Don’t let the garlic turn very brown as it will cook further with the gnocchi )
Toss in the gnocchi and cook on a medium flame till they turn golden brown and develop a crispy crust.
Toss in those cherry tomatoes ( which are halved ) and continue cooking for 10 minutes till they soften and coat the gnocchi.
Season with salt, pepper, herbs, and fresh basil!
Serve with bread of your choice. Ciabatta goes extremely well with it. Drizzle balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for an oomph factor.
Not only do I want to share my experience with this dish but also describe each element of flavour.
Tones of garlic and herbs overtake my palate as I bite into the crispy, butter-coated gnocchi. Next, I savour the tart yet sweet cherry tomatoes which have glazed the entire dish. Just then, the reduced sticky balsamic vinegar enters and is cut by the salty, creamy, herbed cheese. The entire dish is complemented with fresh ciabatta ( I just learnt that it’s pronounced ‘chabata’), that has a crispy crust and a soft centre. The basil leaves on top not only add to the beauty and grandeur of the dish but add an emotional value to it having been freshly plucked and torn from my mini garden on the window sill.
So voilà! Now you have a recipe and a story too, one that I, at least, will always remember. I hate looking back and regretting not trying local foods, but all I can and will do now is, make the most of my last few months here! ️
