Gnocchi with caramelized onion and thyme is one of those dishes that proves that simplicity is often the most delicious. Tender gnocchi, slow caramelized onions and fragrant thyme combine to create a comfort food recipe that is perfect for weekdays, but also impresses diners.
Gnocchi with caramelized onion and thyme
30 minutes
Average
Caramelizing onions
How should you caramelize onions? For this gnocchi with caramelized onion, it is important to caramelize the onions really well. And no: you don't need honey, sugar or balsamic for that. That's a persistent fable. Onions contain enough natural sugars by themselves to turn beautifully brown and sweet - as long as you give them time.
I always caramelize onions in butter with a pinch of salt. No more. The salt helps draw the moisture out of the onions, softening them and allowing them to color evenly. Turn the heat down to medium-low and stir occasionally, not continuously. Patience is really the key here: count on about 20 to 30 minutes.
Slow baking gives the onions that deep, almost jammy flavor that goes perfectly with gnocchi and thyme. The result is full, round and intense - exactly what this dish needs, without unnecessary additives.
Making your own gnocchi
You can even choose to make the gnocchi yourself, using only three ingredients: potato, flour and salt. The recipe for that can be found here. It really is super easy, quick, convenient and SO SO delicious. Homemade gnocchi are fluffy, soft and absorb the flavor of the caramelized onion and thyme perfectly.
Do you have less time (or just feel like convenience)? Then you can also use fresh gnocchi from the refrigerated shelf, for example this. Preferably choose fresh gnocchi instead of the dried variety; they have a much better texture and fit better with this creamy, savory gnocchi recipe.
Both options work great - it's ultimately about balance, taste and enjoyment.
What you need:
2
1 large white onion
15 gr unsalted butter
200 gr gnocchi
home made or supermarket
salt and pepper
fresh thyme
Parmesan cheese
What to do:
1
Clean and halve the onion. Now slice into thin rings. Melt half the butter in a frying pan and add the onion. Fry on high heat for a while and then lower the heat so it can simmer nicely. Keep stirring frequently.
2
After about 10 minutes, you will notice that the onion starts to turn a bit discolored. Now add the rest of the butter and keep frying until the onions are nicely caramelized.
3
Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a pan of salted boiling water. The gnocchi is cooked when it rises to the top.
4
Now heat the tablespoon of butter in a pan and add the gnocchi to it. Fry for a few minutes until golden brown all around. Then add the onion and some fresh thyme, along with some salt and pepper and fry for a few more minutes.
5
Divide the gnocchi among the plates and garnish generously with the Parmesan cheese.
