Create My Own Recipe...Gnocchi with Roasted Veggies

Today I stepped out of my comfort zone. I made something for dinner without a recipe. Yes, I know many of you do this everyday. Me, however, I dont' do this often. I don't like the idea of something not turning out and feeling like I wasted food. I also at times don't feel very creative with food, but I know I need to get over that. 


So, when I went grocery shopping last week and bought all my groceries including gnocchi and eggplant...two ingredients which I could not remember what I was going to make with them (because I always find the recipes I want to make and make my list accordingly). So I decided to get creative and find something to do with those two ingredients. I did look around for recipes but decided to create something on my own.


The end result...gnocchi with roasted veggies and a Red Pesto Sauce topped with Mozzarella and parmesan cheese! Overall I give it an 8 out of 10...I need to work on the sauce a bit.


Ingredients:


1 17oz. pkg Gnocchi (I find mine at Trader Joes..or make your own)
Variety of fresh veggies (I used eggplant, broccoli, onion, mushroom and asparagus)
Olive Oil
4-5 Roma Tomatoes
1/4 c. Pesto (approx. amount)
Italian Seasoning
Garlic Powder
Mozzarella Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
*** OR YOU CAN USE STORE BOUGHT MARINARA OR YOUR FAVORITE PASTA SAUCE***


Instructions: 


Cut veggies into bite size pieces, toss with Olive Oil and place on a baking sheet. Roast at 350-375 degrees till tender. 

Place tomatoes in a food processor or blender. Add pesto sauce and garlic powder (or fresh garlic..I was out) and any other seasonings to get taste you want. Like I said, I need to work on the sauce. You could also used store bought spaghetti sauce or just a can of tomato sauce seasoned.

Cook gnocchi according to directions.

When gnocchi are done, drain and place in a baking pan. Toss with sauce and top with grated cheeses. Bake at 375 till cheese is melted. Top with roasted vegetables. 

I didn't take a picture of the final product because #1 I forgot and #2 I wasn't sure how it would turn out. Maybe if I have leftovers for lunch I'll take a pic.


So, while not an utter failure, just needs a bit of work. and more than anything, this was a big step for me.

With Joy UNquenchable,