Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spicy Charred Broccolini
pillowy pasta and fluffy comforters for fall
Ayoo it’s soup season. If your FY and explore pages aren’t filled with “soups that don’t suck” series then I’m jealous of your algorithm because nothing keeps me addicted to my phone more than watching soups. I need to get out more.
That being said, we’re still on the pasta train and we’re never getting off. Soups will be coming on board, but for this week we have a Creamy Pesto Gnocchi with Spicy Charred Broccolini. The homemade pesto is insanely delicious but if you’re not feeling up to the extra prep you can use your favorite store bought. It will be elevated by the cream sauce and broccolini either way!
First, a few things on my mind that I’m transferring to yours.
Cut the Crap
I went to my third wedding in 5 weeks and acted relatively normal. I knew less than three people there, so that helped. My main takeaway was that the MC at the wedding needed to be locked up. He turned it into a bat mitzvah and at one point yelled “LADIES, shake it.” He followed it up with an instruction to grab someone sexy which is precisely when my boyfriend left the dance floor (sus). I just stood there and said a silent prayer that it would be over soon. My prayers came true when we left early.
Cozy Season
I'm INSANE when it comes to my bed. I love clean sheets and will barely let anyone breathe near my bed. Julie is constantly being yelled at and knows she can’t sit on it in her gym clothes!!! Like c’mon. I have trouble sleeping - it used to be really bad but it’s gotten way better. A few things that have made a big difference:
working out or being active in some way during the day
not scrolling on my phone past dinner time (Yes, I am now superior to you)
popping A TON of melatonin (jk I only use it occasionally now like when traveling or after drinking)
having a clean, cool room with extremely comfortable bedding
I despise being hot at night so a down comforter is not in my cards. What I do have is this affordable, light weight but cozy comforter. I highly recommend it. I just made my boyfriend buy it because his blanket absolutely SUCKS. It’s not entirely his fault because it seems to be an epidemic for the male species. Why do they always have the worst bedding? They don’t care about a top sheet and have a navy blue fuzzy blanket that I know is from college! (Disclaimer - this is not directed at anyone specific).
Things we are liking
“Perfect Couple” on Netflix (this is definitely old news and I apologize) but we just finished it and it was very good. Highly recommend. If you liked the White Lotus, this is for you.
Putting castor oil in my belly button. HEAR ME OUT. This is an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Your belly button is a vital spot for absorption (it has over 72,000 veins). Castor oil in your naval helps with digestion, bloating, period cramps, hair growth and more. Other oils will have different benefits, for example, almond oil aids in hydration and helping with dark circles. Give it a try, I’m not a doctor but I do have a belly button, KYLE XY!
Watching Sex and the City or Gilmore Girls on my laptop, in my bed with a cup of tea. In all honesty, I haven’t done either YET but the idea of it sounds so pleasant. It has to be in your bed on your laptop - I don’t make the rules.
No Sleep by Wiz Khalifa. Idk but this song just re-entered my life and immediately transported me back to 2011.
Creamy Pesto Gnocchi
When I think of pesto I can’t NOT sing the Suite Life of Zack and Cody pesto song. Only few can relate and if that is you - we need to meet up ASAP. Anyway, homemade pesto is easy and delicious. You can use store bought but I will judge you. Jk this is a judgement free zone unless you have a creepy blanket.
We used mini gnocchi because they are cute and fun like myself. Life is but a mirror. The creaminess comes from coconut cream and the best brand is Whole Food’s 365. Don’t bother with the others!! You can use regular heavy cream if you think the risk is worth the reward. But trust me when I say you you can’t taste any coconut flavor for those of you that are petrified of coconut.
Creamy Pesto Mini Gnocchi with Spicy Charred Broccolini
serves 2-3
Ingredients:
For the charred broccolini:
1 small bunch broccolini
1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil (avocado is better for high heat)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the creamy pesto gnocchi:
1 package mini gnocchi (1.1 lbs)
1/2 cup pasta water, reserved
2 tablespoons vegan butter
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk
3/4 cup homemade or store-bought pesto (recipe below)
Lemon zest, for topping
Vegan Parmesan, for topping (we use Violife)
Method:
Make the broccolini: Wash and chop your broccolini into thin strips, removing the long stems (some stem is okay). In a small pan on medium high heat, add the avocado oil. Wait for it to get very hot before adding the broccolini. Add the spices while the broccolini chars on one side for 3-4 minutes. Flip them and cook for another few minutes.
Cook the gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi according to the package instructions and reserve at least 1/2 cup pasta water. Strain and set aside while you make the sauce.
Make the creamy pesto sauce: In a pan on medium heat add the vegan butter and flour. Cook for a minute until the flour begins to brown (it will be clumpy). Add the coconut milk and whisk until smooth. Then add the pesto, cooked gnocchi, and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine.
Serve: Serve with lemon zest and vegan Parmesan.
Homemade Pesto:
2 cups basil, tightly packed
1 garlic clove
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup pecans
1/4 + 2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/4 cup green olives, pitted (we used Castelvetrano)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Method:
Blend: Add all the ingredients to a small blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you’re having trouble blending or prefer a thinner pesto, add more lemon juice or olive oil.
Hope you try it or make someone make it for you!
Xox,
J&A
Insta: @julieandamy_
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