One of the things I love most about coming up with new recipes is how it allows for both creative and scientific exploration. I feel that the necessity for creative input is pretty much self explanatory, but the role of science can be a little more confusing. I’m not talking about science in the sense of chemical reactions (although those do take place)…I’m speaking more generally of the “scientific method” (cue flashback to Ms. Hiller’s 6th grade science class).
Steps of the Scientific Method:
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Ask a Question – What do I want to eat for dinner? Food.
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Do Background Research – What is in the fridge? Veggies, herbs, cheese…
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Construct a Hypothesis – If I combine frozen gnocchi, fresh tomatoes, onion and basil, my stomach will be happy.
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Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment – Chop up the ingredients, throw them in the pan, cook to perfection (always remember to take samples of the experiment along the way).
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Analyze your Data and Draw a Conclusion – Try out the recipe on an unsuspecting friend. Make record of the number of “yums” or “ews” elicited from said friend. Form conclusion of deliciousness of experiment based on overall satiety and contentment –
Conclusion: stomach = happy.
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Communicate Your Results – Write a blog post.
What y0u need:
- About 5 cups uncooked gnocchi
- 5 cups fresh diced tomatoes (baby or large)
- 1 medium onion, cut in half then thinly sliced
- 1/2 tbs sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/3 cup fresh basil, minced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil (or more depending on how soupy you want the sauce)
- 1/4-1/3 cup parmesan cheese (with extra to top off dish)
What you need to do:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float. Drain and set aside for later.
- In a large pan (which high sides), sauté the garlic in about 1 tbs olive oil until fragrant.
- Add the onions and the rest of the olive oil to the pan, and cook until the onions start to soften.
- Add the tomatoes, basil, sugar, salt and garlic salt to the pan and cook until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Add the cooked gnocchi and parmesan cheese (and a little more olive oil if you want a “saucier” sauce) and cook for another 1-2 minutes (until the cheese has melted).
- Serve and top with extra cheese. Enjoy!
