Ingredients:
- 1 lb (500g) potato gnocchi
- 28 oz (800g) San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 large shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium carrot, finely grated
- 1 sprig fresh basil
- 1/2 tsp (3g) sea salt
- 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp (15g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
- 1/4 cup (60ml) reserved pasta water
- 8 leaves fresh basil, torn
Instructions:
- Place the olive oil, sliced garlic, and minced shallot in a cold skillet, then turn the heat to medium.
- Once the garlic begins to sizzle and turn golden, stir in the finely grated carrot and red pepper flakes for 2 minutes.
- Hand crush the 800g of San Marzano tomatoes into a bowl, then pour them into the skillet with the basil sprig.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 15 minutes until it thickens and the oil separates.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and drop in the 500g of gnocchi.
- Cook the gnocchi for about 2-3 minutes until they all bob to the surface like corks.
- Scoop out 60ml of the cloudy pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
- Add the gnocchi and the reserved water to the tomato sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cold butter and half the Parmigiano Reggiano until the sauce looks glossy and thick.
- Remove the basil sprig, top with the remaining cheese and the torn fresh basil leaves.