Vegan Boricua

Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Caribbean Spicy Tomato Sauce

·

Sofrito Avatar
Sofrito

Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce

A Fusion of Flavors and Culture

In the heart of Puerto Rican cuisine lies a rich tapestry of flavors, influenced by the island’s indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African roots. Today, we’re going to give a classic baked gnocchi recipe a vibrant Puerto Rican vegan twist, blending the comfort of gnocchi with the bold flavors of the Caribbean.

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

  • 2 medium-sized potatoes, cooked and mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Optional: salt and pepper to taste

For the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup Sofrito (see below for recipe)
  • 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon Puerto Rican Adobo (see below for recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)

For the Sofrito:

  • 1 bunch culantro (recao leaves)
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 6–8 ají dulce peppers (or substitute with cubanelle or bell peppers)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 head garlic, peeled
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2–3 ripe tomatoes or 1/2 cup roasted red peppers (optional)

For the Adobo:

  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Gnocchi:

  1. Make the Gnocchi Dough: Combine the mashed potatoes and flour in a bowl. Mix until a dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour.
  2. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and pliable.
  3. Shape the Gnocchi: Divide the dough into 4 parts and roll each part into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.

Prepare the Sofrito:

  1. Chop the Ingredients: Roughly chop the culantro, cilantro, ají dulce peppers, onion, garlic, and green bell pepper.
  2. Blend the Sofrito: Blend all the chopped ingredients in a food processor until smooth. You can add a little olive oil if needed.
  3. Freeze for Later Use: Freeze the Sofrito in ice cube trays for long-term use.

Prepare the Adobo:

  1. Mix the Adobo: Combine the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and paprika in a bowl. Mix well.
  2. Store the Adobo: Store the Adobo in a sealed container for up to 6 months.

Make the Spicy Tomato Sauce:

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
  2. Add the Sofrito: Add 2-3 tablespoons of the prepared Sofrito to the skillet and sauté for about 2 minutes to “awaken” the flavors.
  3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, Adobo, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Season and Reduce: Let the sauce simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble and Bake:

  1. Cook the Gnocchi: Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
  2. Combine Gnocchi and Sauce: In a large baking dish, combine the cooked gnocchi and the spicy tomato sauce. Toss to coat the gnocchi evenly.
  3. Add a Cheesy Touch: Sprinkle nutritional yeast over the top for a cheesy, vegan flavor.
  4. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Cultural Significance and Tips

  • Sofrito, Adobo, and Sazón: These three blends are the backbone of Puerto Rican cuisine. Sofrito forms the aromatic base, Adobo enhances proteins and vegetables, and Sazón adds color and depth. Here, we use Sofrito and Adobo to give our dish that authentic Puerto Rican flavor.
  • TVP as a Meat Alternative: If you want to add a protein component, TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is a great option. It’s easily available in Puerto Rico and very affordable. Simply marinate it in Adobo and cook it before adding it to the dish.
  • Balancing Flavors: For a savory dish like this, a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors and add health benefits.

This Puerto Rican Vegan Baked Gnocchi with Spicy Tomato Sauce is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of the island’s rich culinary heritage. With each bite, you’ll experience the vibrant flavors and cultural significance that make Puerto Rican cuisine so unique. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let the flavors of the Caribbean transport you to a world of comfort and delight.

  1. Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials

Latest recipes