Cauliflower Gnocchi

I love trying the latest Instagram craze (often times so you do not have to)- however this trend may be worth the hype. Cauliflower gnocchi, a la Trader Joe’s, has been on everyone’s shopping list (and newsfeed). Which is why I was surprised to see it fully stocked at my local Trader Joe’s. I snatched up a few before anyone else caught on, intent on deciding for myself if the buzz was justified. I figured like any cauliflower product, you could taste the vegetable underneath and so I wanted to infuse other flavors. I love this recipe for regular gnocchi, or even your favorite pastas- but I think for the cauliflower gnocchi it is even better.

Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi- worth the hype? I would say yes! It has a slightly different texture than potato gnocchi, but with the right spice- it is equally as delicious (and in my opinion, way more filling)

Serves: 2 Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

·       1 bag of Trader Joe’s Gnocchi (or your favorite gnocchi/pasta)

·        1/2 bunch of asparagus

·       1 handful of spinach

·        5 - 6 Sage leaves

·        Olive oIl

·        Black Pepper

·        Parmesan Cheese (Optional)

Recipe

1. Prepare gnocchi as the bag suggests.
   If using Cauliflower gnocchi, add a small amount of water to the sauce pan, cook until water is gone- then add olive oil and other ingredients
   If using potato gnocchi or pasta, cook in boiling water, drain, and add to saucepan

2. Once the pasta is cooked in water, add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and reduce heat to medium

3. Chop asparagus into thirds and add to saucepan

4. Roughly chop sage leaves and add to saucepan

5. Add black pepper and continue to cook, stirring frequently

6. Once gnocchi are soft (5 - 8 minutes), toss in spinach and remove from heat.

7. Because we are using olive oil instead of butter, the gnocchi tend not to brown up as much as I would like. So once cooked through, I turn oven on broil- high and put the saucepan directly in the over for 5 -10 minutes (depending on how quickly it crisps). Keep an eye on the oven as to not burn the gnocchi!

8. Remove from oven, top with Parmesan cheese (optional), and Enjoy!

Tips:

• You can add garlic, shallots, or use garlic olive oil to add extra depth to the flavor

• Using butter will allow the gnocchi to crisp up in the pan and save you the broiling step. It adds dairy and calories- but brings flavor and crispiness!