If you’re searching for a comforting yet elegant meal to brighten your dinner table, this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful combination of pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious, herb-infused sauce, enriched by fresh peas and fragrant sage. Perfectly creamy without any dairy, this dish brings warmth, freshness, and a touch of indulgence all in one bowl. Whether you’re a vegan or simply seeking a fresh twist on classic comfort food, this recipe promises a satisfying, wholesome experience that feels like a cozy hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe truly shine is its simple yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and that beautiful green pop of color that makes the dish as appealing to the eyes as it is to the palate.
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter: This provides the rich base for sautéing and adds a lovely silky texture to the sauce.
- ½ medium onion, finely diced: Offers a sweet and savory foundation that boosts the umami depth of the dish.
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped: The star herb here, bringing delightful earthy notes that elevate the sauce’s flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a subtle kick that perfectly complements the sage.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: Introduces a gentle tang and complexity to the creamy sauce.
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml): Adds acidity and depth, helping to deglaze the pan and lift all the flavors.
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml): Keeps the sauce beautifully creamy without any dairy, ensuring it’s vegan-friendly.
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi: These soft dumplings soak up the sauce, giving you that irresistible chewy bite.
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling: A savory finishing touch that mimics the cheesy richness without dairy.
How to Make Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Aromatics
Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. These aromatics are the flavor backbone of your sauce and set the stage for the wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen.
Step 2: Heat Oil or Vegan Butter
Warm the oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers gently. This fat helps to soften the aromatics and carry the sauce’s flavors beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook it for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes soft and translucent. This gentle cooking brings out the onion’s natural sweetness.
Step 4: Add Sage and Garlic
Mix in the chopped sage and minced garlic. Cook together for about a minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The moment these herbs hit the heat, your kitchen will fill with their enchanting scent.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Liquids
Next, stir in salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard, followed by the white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and thawed peas. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. This infusion creates a flavor-packed, velvety sauce.
Step 6: Simmer Sauce with Gnocchi
Reduce the heat to a simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi directly into the sauce. Let it cook for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Should it become too thick, simply add a splash more dairy-free cream or milk; if too thin, give it a few more minutes to reduce.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the gnocchi are cooked perfectly and the sauce is creamy and flavorful, sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, adjust the seasoning if necessary, and serve hot. Add extra fresh sage on top if you want to boost that beautiful herbal aroma and taste.
How to Serve Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
Garnishes
To bring out the best in your Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe, garnish with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan or a few torn sage leaves. A touch of freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice contrast and a hint of heat.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy delight with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Both sides cut through the richness and add fresh textural variety to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls with finely chopped nuts like walnuts or toasted pine nuts for an unexpected crunch. You can also drizzle a little vegan browned butter sauce to deepen the flavor profile, taking your Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe to an extra special place.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover gnocchi with creamy sauce is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be eaten within 2 to 3 days for the best freshness and taste.
Freezing
While gnocchi can be frozen, it’s best to freeze them uncooked. If you have leftover cooked gnocchi with sauce, freezing may change the texture slightly, but you can still freeze the sauce separately in a sealed container for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of dairy-free cream or plant milk to loosen up the sauce. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure everything heats evenly. Avoid microwaving to keep the gnocchi’s tender texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here and saves you time, making this Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe ideal for a quick yet indulgent meal.
What dairy-free creams work best in this sauce?
Oat, soy, or cashew-based creams are excellent choices as they offer a smooth texture and neutral flavor that won’t overpower the sage and peas.
Can I substitute the peas with another vegetable?
Yes! You could swap peas for fresh asparagus tips or green beans for a slightly different texture and taste, while keeping the vibrant green color and freshness.
Is white wine necessary for the sauce?
The white wine adds lovely acidity and depth, but if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute it with vegetable broth plus a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi varieties available at many stores or make your own with gluten-free flour blends, ensuring the entire dish remains vegan-friendly and suitable for gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
This Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe is a heartfelt celebration of simple ingredients combining to create extraordinary flavors. Its warmth, creaminess, and herbaceous notes make it a go-to dish for cozy nights or special gatherings. I truly hope you give it a try and find as much joy in making and eating it as I do sharing it with you. Bon appétit!
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Gnocchi with Creamy Sage and Pea Sauce (Vegan-Friendly) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A creamy and comforting vegan gnocchi recipe featuring a rich dairy-free cream sauce infused with fresh sage, garlic, and white wine, complemented by tender peas and topped with vegan Parmesan for a deliciously indulgent yet plant-based meal.
Ingredients
Oil and Aromatics
- 1 ½ Tbsp oil or vegan butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 Tbsp fresh sage, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Liquids
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- â…“ cup dry white wine (80 ml)
- 1 ¼ cups dairy-free cream or milk (300 ml)
- 1 cup frozen peas (150 g), thawed
Gnocchi and Garnish
- 400 g uncooked gnocchi
- Vegan Parmesan, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. This creates the flavor base for the sauce.
- Heat Oil or Vegan Butter: In a large skillet, heat the oil or vegan butter over medium heat until hot.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Sage and Garlic: Stir in the chopped sage and minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Stir in salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, white wine, dairy-free cream or milk, and thawed peas. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer Sauce and Cook Gnocchi: Reduce heat to a simmer and add the uncooked gnocchi. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and the sauce has thickened. Adjust sauce consistency by adding more dairy-free cream or milk if too thick, or simmering longer if too thin.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with vegan Parmesan, taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot garnished with extra sage if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute the dairy-free cream with any plant-based milk thickened slightly with cornstarch if you prefer a lighter sauce.
- If you can’t find fresh sage, dried sage can be used at about one-third the quantity.
- For added texture, consider lightly sautéing the gnocchi before adding to the sauce for a crispy exterior.
- This recipe is vegan and can be made gluten-free by choosing gluten-free gnocchi.
