Jamie Oliver’s Creamy Leek Gnocchi Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of tender, pillowy gnocchi and a rich, creamy leek sauce creates a dish that’s indulgent yet simple to prepare.
The leeks bring a delicate sweetness to the creamy sauce, making this recipe a deliciously satisfying option for vegetarians and pasta lovers alike.
It’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending too much time in the kitchen.
With a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh herbs, this dish becomes an unforgettable meal that pairs well with a light salad or garlic bread.
Jamie Oliver’s Creamy Leek Gnocchi Recipe offers the perfect balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is a delightful experience. It’s a wonderful, easy-to-make dish for any occasion.
Key Takeaways:
- The Creamy Leek Gnocchi is a quick and satisfying vegetarian dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Leeks provide a gentle sweetness and health benefits, while the dish can be customized for creaminess based on dietary preferences.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley enhance the flavor and presentation of the dish, complementing the rich, creamy sauce beautifully.
Ingredients
A key aspect of Jamie Oliver’s Creamy Leek Gnocchi Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients.
You will need gnocchi, which are tender, pillowy dumplings, and leeks, which impart a delicate sweetness to the creamy sauce.
Additionally, gather heavy cream to achieve that rich consistency and don’t forget to have fresh Parmesan cheese on hand for the final topping.
ou might also consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to enhance the dish’s aroma and presentation.
Each component contributes to creating an unforgettable meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Method
- Start by trimming the leeks—slice them in half lengthways and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. Once clean, slice them thinly. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, typically until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside, keeping some of the cooking water for later.
- In a large frying pan, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and cook gently for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and start to caramelize slightly. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
- Once the leeks are softened, pour in the cream, a pinch of nutmeg, and a little salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If you want a lighter version, you can replace the cream with milk, or for extra richness, add a knob of butter.
- Add the cooked gnocchi into the pan with the leeks and cream. Gently toss everything together, making sure the gnocchi are coated with the creamy leek sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen it up.
- Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve the creamy leek gnocchi on warm plates. Sprinkle with a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a few fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added flavor. Enjoy!
Once again, once everything is mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve your creamy leek gnocchi on warm plates. Sprinkle a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each serving, along with a few fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an extra flavor boost.
This finishing touch not only enhances the dish’s aroma and appearance but also balances the richness of the creamy sauce.
Enjoy the delightful experience of this comfort food, perfect for any occasion!
Nutritional Information per Serving:
-
Calories: Approximately 708 kcal
-
Fat: 27g
-
Saturated Fat: 13g
-
-
Carbohydrates: 93g
-
Sugars: 5g
-
-
Protein: 20g
-
Fibre: 7.7g
-
Salt: 2.5g
These values are based on a serving size for two people. The dish is rich in carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy, and provides a substantial amount of protein.
However, it also contains a significant amount of fat and salt, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.
Despite its comforting taste, this dish offers more than just indulgence. You’ll find that gnocchi originated in Italy, traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs, providing a pillowy texture perfect for creamy sauces.
The leeks you use bring a delicate sweetness and are rich in fiber and vitamins, enhancing the nutritional profile of your meal.
You can make this recipe your own by adjusting the creaminess with milk or butter, while a hint of nutmeg introduces a surprising warmth to the sauce.
Don’t forget to top it with fresh herbs for a colorful finish!
Pairing the right drink with Jamie Oliver’s Creamy Leek Gnocchi enhances the dining experience. Since the dish is rich and creamy with a subtle leek flavor, here are some excellent drink pairings:
1. White Wine:
-
Chardonnay: A full-bodied white wine, preferably unoaked, can complement the creamy texture of the gnocchi without overwhelming the dish.
-
Pinot Grigio: Its crispness and light body will cut through the richness of the creamy sauce and balance the flavors.
-
Sauvignon Blanc: The citrusy and slightly herbal notes of this wine will enhance the freshness of the leeks and provide a nice contrast to the creamy elements.
2. Red Wine:
-
Pinot Noir: A lighter red wine with fruity notes and moderate acidity. It works well with creamy dishes without being too heavy.
-
Gamay (Beaujolais): Known for its light body and fresh fruitiness, it’s an excellent match with the creamy texture of the gnocchi and the slight sweetness of the leeks.
3. Sparkling Wine:
-
Prosecco: A light and bubbly Prosecco offers crisp acidity that can cut through the richness of the cream while adding a refreshing element to the dish.
-
Champagne: A classic pairing, especially if you’re serving gnocchi as part of a special meal. The acidity of Champagne will balance the creamy sauce beautifully.
4. Beer:
-
Pilsner or Lager: A light and crisp beer with refreshing carbonation pairs nicely with rich, creamy dishes without overpowering the delicate flavors.
-
Blonde Ale: Slightly fruity and malty, a blonde ale is a great complement to the gnocchi, as it doesn’t overshadow the dish’s flavors.
5. Non-Alcoholic Options:
-
Sparkling Water: A nice sparkling water can offer a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the gnocchi. You can add a twist of lemon for extra brightness.
-
Iced Green Tea: The mild flavor of green tea with a slight bitterness can help cleanse your palate between bites.
These drinks will complement the dish’s rich, creamy textures and the slight sweetness of the leeks. Enjoy your meal with a drink that suits your mood and the occasion!
👨🍳 [DID YOU KNOW?] Some interesting facts about the Creamy Leek Gnocchi recipe
-
Gnocchi’s Origin: Gnocchi are small Italian dumplings traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. They have a pillowy texture that pairs perfectly with creamy sauces like the leek-based one in this recipe.
-
Leeks as a Star Ingredient: Leeks bring a delicate sweetness to the dish, unlike onions or garlic, offering a more subtle flavor. They also provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to the creamy sauce.
-
Customizable Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can swap the cream for milk or use a dollop of butter for extra richness. This flexibility allows the dish to cater to different dietary needs.
-
Nutmeg’s Subtle Touch: Nutmeg, a spice often associated with desserts, adds an unexpected warmth and depth to the cream, making the sauce feel rich without being overwhelming.
-
Perfect Pairing with Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh herbal note to balance the richness of the creamy sauce, making the dish more aromatic and visually appealing.
Video Recipe: Sweet Leek Carbonara by Jamie Oliver
People Also Ask
How long does it take to prepare Jamie Oliver’s Creamy Leek Gnocchi?
Can I make the creamy sauce without using cream?
What can I serve alongside the creamy leek gnocchi?
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Can I add additional ingredients to the recipe?
Looking for more Jamie Oliver recipes? Check out our full collection.
Easy-to-prepare recipe. Love it! 😉