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Succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pork and soft pillows of delicious gnocchi nestled in a deep, rich, classic Italian tomato sauce.
I feel a bit like a stick-in-the-mud. For those of you who aren't familiar with this American slang, it's derived from "the imagery of someone whose feet are stuck in wet clay and is unable to progress". That would be me, this holiday season, with my dinner party menu. If you were invited to The Café for a meal anytime in the near future, this Slow Roasted Pork with Gnocchi would definitely be the star of the show.
Why? Answering that is super simple: it's make-ahead, unique, super delicious and makes a beautiful presentation! It's also easy to put together, if you've made a batch of the Slow Roasted Italian Pork that I shared on Monday. Plus, with classic Italian flavors, this dish is a favorite with everyone.
You'll find that this Slow Roasted Italian Pork with Gnocchi isn't hard to put together, but does require a bit of time (mostly hands off time). It's a great thing to make early in the day, in the evening before or on a stay-at-home-day, when you're busy with other things around the house. Expect the delicious aromas of an Italian trattoria to waft from your kitchen.
As I mentioned Monday, the Italian pork recipe makes a large batch, but you'll find it's a treasure to have stashed away. You can have a fantastic meal put together in minutes - just bring some water to a boil and cook the prepackaged gnocchi. That's about three minutes of cooking time, just till the gnocchi float to the top of the water. Drain the gnocchi, combine them with the delicious pork and top with lots of fresh mozzarella. Then, just before dinner, pop it in the oven till the pork's bubbly and the cheese melty. A scatter of fresh basil is the crowning glory and oohs and aahs will be exclaimed as it's presented at the table.
This is one case where I'm quite thrilled to be a "stick in the mud". Anyone want to join me? Trust me, you'll be the thrilled one, as will your family, friends, guests...
- 4-5 cups Slow Roasted Pork *
- 1 1-pound package prepackaged gnocchi**
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella the small balls or a large ball, torn into small pieces***
- freshly ground black pepper
- fresh basil leaves for garnish, if desired
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Preheat oven to 350˚F. Oil a 2 quart baking dish lightly with olive oil.
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Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain well and drizzle lightly with 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Toss or shake strainer to coat.
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Combine pork mixture and gnocchi in a bowl. Stir gently to combine, then transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with torn fresh mozzarella and a generous shower of freshly ground black pepper.
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Bake at 350 for 20 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted. Remove from oven and allow to sit for 5 minutes before serving. Top with small fresh basil leaves or coarsely chopped fresh basil (if leaves are large).
* You can customize this recipe according to your family/guest's preferences. If they are meatlovers, go with more of the pork.
** prepackaged gnocchi is available at most larger grocers or online. You'll find it in the pasta section or sometimes in the Italian section. I really like DeLallo gnocchialthough the Kroger brand is also delicious.
*** I use the small balls of mozzarella. I love the kind that comes in oil and herbs at Costco.
Tracy says
We doubled this for a family get together and it was perfect. There was more than enough roasted pork from the single batch to use in the doubled gnocchi. Everyone loved it!
Chris Scheuer says
Yay! Thanks for letting us know, Tracy!
Sandi Latham says
Is there any reason you cannot use homemade gnocchi in this recipe?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Sandi, homemade would be DELICIOUS!
Mary says
Call me confused. Is there a recipe for the slow roasted pork and the Italian tomato sauce ??
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Mary, there was a link in the post for the slow roasted pork but I added it also to the recipe. Thanks for pointing that out! Enjoy!
Mark says
I have made this recipe many times since a friend from work (another foodie) referred it to me. Absolutely delicious! The slow roasted pork is a bit of work and takes time, but it isn't hard and it is SO worth the effort and wait. On special occasions in our family, the honoree always chooses THIS dish. We all love it!
Chris Scheuer says
I love it! What a wonderful compliment to the recipe - that it's a special occasion request! Thanks so much for sharing your results, Mark. Cheers, to many more special family occasions!
Patty says
Chris, can this be frozen?
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, it definitely can! You can also freeze the pork in containers and put it together with the gnocchi the day of serving. Enjoy!
Sandra Garth says
I will gladly join you!
Susan says
At -2 degrees, this would be a most welcome sight on our table tonight! Wow, that melted cheese and gnocchi must taste fabulous with the Italian pork! Love the cheesy shots 😉
Adina says
Such a delicious looking dish again, Chris, you have me drooling here. And so easy to put together once you have the pork. I have chicken leftovers more often than I have pork, and I can imagine making this with chicken instead.
cheri says
This is beautiful Chris, love how you combined the pork with the gnocchi to make a delicious hearty meal.
John/Kitchen Riffs says
What a great way to dress u p your slow roasted Italian pork! That's a wonderful recipe -- but this one takes everything up a notch. I'd love to be served this for a dinner! SO nice. BTW, I'm taking the rest of the year off, and want to wish you a happy holiday season!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Oh my goodness! You are speaking my language with this one 🙂 Those cheese photos are perfect.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I am drooling over that melted gooey cheese...awesome!