A Christmas Recipe with an Italian Twist: Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with Burrata

GNOCCHI ALLA SORRENTINA WITH BURRATA

When we think Christmas in Australia, we picture fruit-topped pavlova with fluffy meringue, fresh seafood or a traditional English roast with all the trimmings. And whilst these Christmas favourites aren’t going anywhere (your Great Aunt may well fall off her chair if you mess with the roast turkey and Christmas pudding), sometimes adding a little something new to the spread can help to keep things interesting.

We’ve gathered our traditional plain gnocchi and put together a festive dish with a twist that will delight everyone around the table. Taking inspiration from the Mediterranean coastline, this recipe hails from the Italian seaside town of Sorrento, nestled along the Amalfi Coast.

Made from a fresh cherry tomato base and topped with creamy burrata, a crunchy garlic crumble and a drizzle of homemade basil oil, this dish offers the perfect balance between fresh and flavourful that makes the perfect unexpected addition to any Christmas spread.

Using our ready-made potato gnocchi, our Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with Burrata ensures you can impress at any Christmas event without spending hours painstakingly rolling your own gnocchi (because let’s be honest, there’s not a moment to spare in December).

Convinced? Here’s how to make it:

Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 min | Cook time: 20 min

Ingredients:

The base:

• 900g Aston Lucas Gourmet Plain Gnocchi
• 400g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 100 g red onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp extra–virgin olive oil
• 10–12 fresh basil leaves
• Salt, to taste

The garlic crumble:

• 40g fine breadcrumbs or panko
• 1 tbsp extra–virgin olive oil
• ½ clove garlic, finely grated
• Pinch of salt

The basil oil:

• 50ml extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 fresh basil leaves
• Pinch of salt

The topping:

• 4 x 100g mini burrata
• Basil oil (recipe above)
• Grated parmesan, optional

Method:

1. Make the garlic crumble: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add olive oil, breadcrumbs (or panko), grated garlic and a pinch of salt. Toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until golden and crispy. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.
2. Prepare the basil oil: Combine olive oil, basil leaves and a pinch of salt in a small jug. Blend briefly until combined or crush with a mortar and pestle. Set aside for plating.
3. Prepare the homemade tomato sauce: Heat 2 tbsp extra–virgin olive oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until soft and fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Lightly crush a few tomatoes with a spoon to create a creamier sauce. Add 3–4 basil leaves, torn by hand, and reduce the heat to low.
4. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to the boil. Add the Aston Lucas Gourmet Plain Gnocchi. Once the gnocchi floats to the surface, cook for 30–40 seconds more, then drain. Transfer immediately into the pan with the tomato sauce. Alternatively, heat the gnocchi for a few minutes in the microwave, or pan fry for a crispier finish.
5. Combine and finish: Gently toss the gnocchi with the sauce over medium heat for 1 minute. Add a little extra olive oil and a few basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Plate up: Divide the gnocchi among 4 deep plates. Place one mini burrata on top of each portion, or divide a larger burrata ball between the plates. Spoon the basil oil over the burrata and around the gnocchi. Add one tablespoon of garlic crumble on top of the burrata. Finish with some fresh basil leaves and a light sprinkle of parmesan (optional).

What to pair it with:

Our Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with Burrata pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp Riesling or a Chilled red for a summery but hearty meal. Prepare this for a simple yet impressive side at any festive gathering or make as a show-stopping addition to the Christmas-day lunch. This makes a particularly good addition to a seafood or barbeque spread for the perfect summery selection.

Adjustable serving size:

One of the great things about this meal is how easy it is to adjust the serving size to suit your needs. If there’s one or two of you, opt for our 450g portion of plain gnocchi, or if you’re feeding a crowd, try our 2.5kg size. Regardless of whether you’re entertaining the masses or enjoying some quieter moments, our variety of traditional plain gnocchi sizes means that everyone can enjoy a version of Gnocchi alla Sorrentina with Burrata this Christmas season.