This is one of my favorite meals, I think it is such a homey dish and really hits the spot when you need something hearty, warm and scrumptious.    Gnocchi is the star of this dish.  It’s a small dumpling that is made a few different ways: Potato, sweet potato, butternut squash (my favorite – can’t wait to show you how to make these), cheese, wheat, flour and egg, or breadcrumbs, among others.  Gnocchi is easily used when replacing potato or pasta in a dish, such as a Pesto (use Gnocchi instead of Penne or Cavatappi noodles).  It’s easily found in most grocery stores, but if you can’t find it there you can always get it online.  Scroll down for the recipe, and I hope you like it as much as I do. {A}

   Hearty Gnocchi
3 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 White Onion – chopped
2 Tbs. Minced  Garlic
1 Box (16 oz.) Potato Gnocchi
2 16oz. cans of White / Northern Beans
4 Roma Tomatoes – Diced
1/2 bunch of Spinach leaves (or to your liking)
1/2 lb. of Italian Sausage or Spicy Italian Sausage
Salt and Pepper to taste
2 Frying Pans

Note: I like to cook the sausage in one pan and all the other ingredients in another at the same time, if this won’t work in your kitchen, just cook the sausage and set aside, then cook the remaining ingredients and add all together in the end… you’ll see!

1. Start cooking the Sausage in one pan on medium heat and cook until browned.
2. While the Sausage is cooking add the Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) to your other frying pan and put on medium heat.  Add in your onion and garlic and cook for about 4 minutes (until onions are semi-clear).

3. Add in Gnocchi and cook for about 8 minutes, Gnocchi will brown slightly and become plump.

4. Add in the beans, tomatoes, and spinach and let cook for about 5-7 minutes (making sure the beans get hot)

5. Stir in the Sausage to complete the dish

Serve and Enjoy!