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Gnocchi with Chorizo and Harissa Sauce Recipe

Gnocchi with Chorizo and Harissa Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty gnocchi with chorizo and harissa sauce delivers a spicy Mediterranean journey through Italy and Spain’s culinary landscapes. Robust flavors and bold spices dance together, creating a memorable meal that satisfies deep comfort food cravings while exciting adventurous palates.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein:

  • 500 g / 1.1 lb gnocchi
  • 200 g / 7 oz chorizo, diced

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp harissa paste
  • 120 ml / 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 30 ml / 2 tbsp olive oil

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon, zested and juiced

Instructions

  1. Dice the chorizo into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the dish.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to shimmer before adding the chopped onions and minced garlic.
  3. Sauté the onions and garlic until they become translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  4. Add the diced chorizo to the skillet, cooking until it releases its rich, spicy oils and develops a slightly crispy exterior, about 5-6 minutes.
  5. Stir in the harissa paste, coating the chorizo and onion mixture to infuse deep, smoky flavors into the base of the sauce.
  6. Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, reducing the heat to medium-low and allowing the sauce to simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface.
  8. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and gently fold them into the chorizo-harissa sauce, ensuring each pillow is well-coated.
  9. Season the dish with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste and creating a harmonious balance of spicy, creamy flavors.
  10. Finish by sprinkling fresh parsley over the gnocchi, then add a bright note with lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Notes

  • Slice chorizo uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor and even cooking throughout the dish.
  • Use high-quality harissa paste for authentic, robust spiciness that elevates the entire sauce.
  • Keep reserved pasta water handy for adjusting sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during cooking.
  • Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg