Ingredients

2 ounces pancetta , chopped ( sliced thin )
3 garlic cloves , minced
2 large tomatoes , chopped
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lb gnocchi
4 ounces watercress , tough stems removed , coarsely chopped
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Gnocchi With Tomatoes, Pancetta & Wilted Watercress is a classic Italian dish that combines tender potato pasta with a rich tomato sauce, crispy pancetta, and peppery watercress. The dish originated in the northern Italian region of Lombardy, where potatoes are a staple crop. The gnocchi are made by combining mashed potatoes with flour and egg to create a soft dough that is rolled into bite-sized pieces. The sauce is made by cooking garlic and tomatoes in a skillet until the tomatoes have broken down and released their juices. The pancetta adds a salty, savory flavor to the sauce, while the watercress adds a fresh, peppery bite. This dish is hearty and satisfying, making it a great choice for a comforting weeknight meal.

Instructions

1.Cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp and browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels.
2.Add the garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes, and continue to cook until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, about 10 minutes.
3.Stir in the red wine vinegar and salt, then add the gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat in the tomato sauce. Cook until the gnocchi are heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
4.Divide the watercress among four plates. Spoon the gnocchi and tomato sauce over the watercress, then sprinkle with the pancetta and Parmesan cheese before serving.

PROS

This dish is easy to prepare and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish.

The combination of savory pancetta and sweet tomatoes creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with the tender gnocchi.

The wilted watercress adds a fresh, peppery bite that complements the other ingredients well.

CONS

Gnocchi is a relatively high-carb food, so it may not be the best choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet.

Pancetta is a cured meat and is high in saturated fat, so this dish should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

This dish contains several ingredients that have health benefits. Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins C and K, and they also contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer. Garlic has been shown to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, while watercress is high in vitamins and minerals and has been linked to reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.

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