500g(16 oz package) potato gnocchi (homemade or store bought)
2tablespoonsoildivided
2medium red bell peppersseeds removed and diced
4largeapprox ½ pound pork sausages, casings removed
400g(14 oz) carton chopped tomatoes in juice
60ml(1/4 cup) water (or stock)*
2tablespoonsbasil pestohomemade or store bought
2 - 3tablespoonsdoubleheavy cream**
50g(2 oz) cheese, grated (I used a mixture of Parmesan & mozzarella)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 5 (375F degrees).
Heat one and a half tablespoons of oil in a deep skillet (or cast iron casserole dish) over a medium heat.
Add the potato gnocchi and saute for 5-8 mins, turning occasionally, until lightly browned. Remove the gnocchi to a plate and set aside.
Heat the rest of the oil in the now empty skillet, then break up the skinned sausages into small chunks and add them to the pan. Add the diced red bell pepper, and cook for another 8-10 mins, or until the sausages have browned all over and the pepper has softened.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes, water (or stock) and pesto. Simmer for a couple of minutes, then stir in the cream.
If you are using a stove-top to oven casserole dish you can continue with the recipe as below, otherwise, spoon the sausage and pepper mixture into an oven-proof casserole dish before continuing.
Arrange the gnocchi on top of the sausage mixture. Sprinkle with cheese and then bake in the oven for 20 mins or until the sauce is bubbling, and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven, and leave to stand for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
*Add a little extra water/stock if you prefer a more sauce-y dish.
**You could also use cream cheese, sour cream or greek yogurt.