Imagine a dish that combines the pillowy softness of perfectly cooked gnocchi, the rich earthiness of golden mushrooms, and the vibrant green of wilted spinach—all embraced in a luxurious dairy-free cream sauce. This Vegan Gnocchi Mushroom Florentine isn't just a meal; it's a culinary journey that proves plant-based cooking can be incredibly decadent, satisfying, and restaurant-quality right in your own kitchen. Whether you're a committed vegan or simply looking to explore more exciting meatless recipes, this dish promises to transform your dinner into a gourmet experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 500g gnocchi
- 2 cups spinach
- 250g mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing spinach, slicing mushrooms, and mincing garlic. Ensure all ingredients are measured and ready.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a generous drizzle of olive oil.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté until they release their moisture and become golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the mushrooms and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook gnocchi according to package instructions, typically 2-3 minutes until they float to the surface.
- Drain gnocchi and reserve a small amount of cooking water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Add gnocchi to the skillet with mushrooms and stir gently to combine.
- Pour coconut cream into the skillet, stirring to coat gnocchi and mushrooms evenly.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts completely, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately in warm plates, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Mushroom Magic: For the most intense flavor, use a mix of mushroom varieties like shiitake and cremini. Ensure they're thoroughly dry before sautéing to achieve that perfect golden-brown caramelization.
- Coconut Cream Consistency: If your coconut cream is too thick, thin it with a little reserved pasta water to create a silky, clingy sauce that coats every gnocchi perfectly.
- Gnocchi Perfection: Don't overcook your gnocchi—they should float to the surface in about 2-3 minutes. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy and ruin the dish's texture.
- Garlic Technique: Add minced garlic towards the end of mushroom sautéing to prevent burning and preserve its aromatic qualities.
- Spinach Timing: Add spinach last and cook just until wilted to maintain its bright green color and nutritional value.
- Season Boldly: Don't be shy with salt and pepper—they're crucial for bringing out the deep flavors in this plant-based dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
