Potato Gnocchi with Zucchini-Almond Pesto

Adding zucchini and almonds to this easy pesto makes the sauce creamy without using cream. Paired with purchased potato gnocchi, this vegetarian dish is very filling, so serve it with a simple salad, like baby greens with sliced tomatoes.

Potato Gnocchi with Zucchini-Almond Pesto

1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./ 60 ml) plus 2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup (1 oz./30 g) thinly sliced shallots

1 Tbs. finely chopped garlic

1 small zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch (12-mm) cubes

1/2 cup (1/2 oz./15 g) packed fresh basil leaves

2 Tbs. chopped toasted almonds

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

1 lb. (450 g) frozen potato gnocchi

1/4 cup (1 oz./30 g) grated Parmesan cheese

In a small sauté pan over medium-low heat, warm 2 tsp. of the olive oil. Add the shallots and sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Scrape the shallots and garlic into a blender or food processor. Add the remaining 1/4 cup (2 fl. oz./60 ml) olive oil, the zucchini, basil, almonds and lemon juice. Blend until mostly smooth, scraping down the sides of the blender and stirring as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions; drain and transfer to a serving bowl.

Add the pesto and cheese to the gnocchi and stir gently to combine. Serve immediately. Serves 4.

Find more simple, healthy meals for every night of the week in
our book Weeknight Vegetarian, by Ivy Manning.