Looking for a comforting vegetarian dinner that’s easy to prepare? Then this easy baked gnocchi with kale and tomato sauce combines comforting flavours and nutrient-packed veggies all in a quick, midweek-friendly meal.
Gnocchi is a real unsung hero and makes such a tasty and quick option for a midweek lunch or dinner, like my Green Pesto Gnocchi Recipe. But this vegetarian baked gnocchi with crispy kale and a rich tomato sauce is always one of my go-to dishes for busy weeknights.
Packed with wholesome ingredients and flavours, this baked veggie gnocchi recipe offers a satisfying twist on classic pasta bakes. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just love a hearty dish, this vegetarian gnocchi bake is sure to become a favourite in your house too!
Why You’ll Love This Kale Gnocchi Bake
This bake really is an easy and super tasty midweek meal. But here are a few more reasons to try this vegetarian gnocchi bake recipe:
- Wholesome Ingredients: This dish brings together nutrient-dense kale, juicy tomatoes, and tender gnocchi for a balanced meal full of flavour.
- Easy to Make: Perfect for all cooking levels, this gnocchi and vegetables recipe is simple. Toss ingredients together, bake, and enjoy!
- Bursting with Flavour: The combination of tangy tomato sauce, earthy kale, and gooey cheese makes this vegetarian baked gnocchi an unbeatable option for weeknight dinners.
- Versatile: You can customise this recipe by adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or even swapping cheeses. Make a vegan version by substituting the cheeses for plant-based alternatives to make a delicious vegan gnocchi bake. Or make it a gluten-free gnocchi bake by substituting the wheat flour gnocchi with a gluten-free option discussed below.
Crowd-Pleasing: If you’re hosting friends or family for dinner, this recipe is perfect for pleasing even the pickiest eaters. With its comforting flavours and satisfying textures, it’s bound to impress everyone at the table – from kids to adults.
What is Gnocchi?
Traditional gnocchi is an Italian dish that is in fact little dumplings made from potatoes, flour and eggs. So like pasta, gnocchi is still high in carbohydrates. But with the addition of fibre and fats, like in this gnocchi bake recipe, it can have a steadier impact on blood sugars.
I will also use a Gluten-free Gnocchi by Difatti instead of wheat flour. This gluten-free gnocchi uses a combination of corn flour and rice flour.
Again it’s still high in carbohydrates but behaves a little differently from its wheat counterpart on blood sugar levels.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Baked Gnocchi with Kale and Tomato
For this vegetable gnocchi recipe, you’ll need:
For the Tomato Sauce:
- Tinned Tomatoes – Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, they add a delicious base for this sauce.
- Onions – Provides essential flavour and sweetness.
- Garlic -The perfect flavour boost for any tomato sauce.
- Balsamic Vinegar– Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of tomatoes.
- Basil (optional) – Adds a fresh, aromatic finish.
Additional Ingredients:
- Gnocchi – We used a gluten-free option, but any gnocchi works.
- Kale – This nutrient-dense veggie brings texture and health benefits.
- Chilli Flakes – Adds a subtle heat. Use sparingly if serving kids!
- Olive Oil – High in healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Mozzarella – If you prefer a vegan baked gnocchi, use dairy-free alternatives.
How to Make Crispy Kale Gnocchi Bake
Follow these steps for a comforting baked gnocchi dish in no time
1. Prep the Oven: Heat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan).
2.Make the Tomato Sauce:
Sauté chopped onions in olive oil over low heat for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the tinned tomatoes and balsamic vinegar. Simmer on a low heat for about 10 minutes.
3. Roast the Kale:
Spread the kale on a roasting tin, coat with olive oil, salt, pepper, and chilli flakes. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes, or until crispy.
4. Assemble the Bake:
Remember to weigh your dish before assembling for accurate carb counting. In a large baking dish, mix the tomato sauce with the gnocchi.
5. Assemble the Bake:
Add the crispy kale and add half the grated mozzarella. Mix everything well.
6. Top the Bake:
Top with the remaining kale, grated mozzarella and the ripped mozzarella ball
7. Bake:
Reduce oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and bake for 20 – 30 minutes, when the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian gnocchi bake is delicious on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider these options:
Vegan Gnocchi Bake Option
To make this a vegan baked gnocchi with kale and tomatoes, simply replace the mozzarella with plant-based cheeses. You’ll still get that melty, gooey texture with a vegan twist!
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers of this vegetable gnocchi bake store well and make a tasty lunch the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat gently in the oven or microwave. The flavours meld together, making it even more delicious the next day!
More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:
Diabetes Note
We’ve found that this vegetarian gnocchi bake can be surprisingly gentle on blood sugar levels. Though gnocchi contains carbs, the high fibre content of the kale and tomatoes helps slow digestion. Using gluten-free gnocchi can also make it easier on blood sugar for some people. Make sure to weigh and count for the overall carb count, considering the portion size.
Carb Counting
The overall carb count for a serving of the crispy kale and tomato gnocchi bake if you divide by 4 is
- @250 g Gluten free Gnocchi (difatti) = 90g of carbs
However, to be more accurate we tend to weigh the total bake (but remember to subtract the weight of your oven-proof dish) and use the following equation
Please note this carb count amount per portion is based on the standard ingredients listed above and may differ depending on what you use and how much you choose to eat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gnocchi bake gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free gnocchi! There are many options available that work perfectly in this gnocchi with vegetables recipe.
How can I add more protein to this dish?
You could add roasted chickpeas or some vegan sausage slices before baking for extra protein in this vegan gnocchi bake.
What are other variations I can try?
Feel free to mix in extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. This veg gnocchi recipe is incredibly adaptable!
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