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Beetroot-blushed gnocchi with heart-beets and rocket
Gnocchi is one of the quickest dishes to prepare and whether fresh or packet, has a cooking time of just 3 to 6 minutes. Garnished with beetroot love hearts, a handful of rocket and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese this valentine’s supper is sure to be a winner for all the family.
For those wishing to get their hands a little dirty this Valentines then why not make your own gnocchi? Ideal for those following a gluten free diet as you can easily switch regular flour for a gluten-free alternative to mix into the potato dough. See the recipe below.
Beetroot is truly a food of love…. with its deep red colour, and earthy texture, its thought to help improve blood flow and increase stamina. Research suggests its nitrate-rich flesh can also help lower blood pressure making it good for your heart-beet! Beetroot is a good source of iron and folate (naturally occurring folic acid) which support energy and detoxification processes. It also contains nitrates, betaine, magnesium and other antioxidants (notably betacyanin) which help protect against the stresses of everyday life by protecting our cells. There’s lots to love from this vegetable so why not love yourself this Valentines and give this recipe try.
Ingredients: Gnocchi, Beetroot, Butter, Parmesan Cheese, Rocket
Utensils: Heart-shaped pastry / biscuit cutter, sieved spoon (with holes to drain water)
Preparation:
Home-made Gnocchi
Ingredients: 1 kg potatoes (preferably slightly old as they contain less water), 400g white flour (for Gluten-free; 200g each rice / quinoa flour), 1 large egg, table salt, and extra flour for dusting. Rock salt for cooking.
Preparation: 1 hour + 10 mins cooking
Home-made Pesto:
Ingredients:1 big bunch of basil, 1 pack Pine nuts (or substitute sunflower seeds), Grated fresh parmesan (generous helping), 1-2 anchovies (optional), 1 clove garlic (optional), Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Preparation: 5 minutes
Strip the leaves from the basil and put in blender with pine nuts, grated parmesan and anchovies. Blend together whilst adding in the olive oil until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Decant into a jam jar and cover with olive oil. You can keep in fridge or freezer but it is important that each time you use a spoonful that you cover with olive oil to preserve the pesto and stop it from discolouring and becoming hard.
Tags: beetroot, claire sambolino, gluten free, heart, nutritionist, recipe, Valentines day