suggest they can leave the dressing off some of the tomatoes if kids want to have a side of plain tomatoes? (can't fit it in the recipe)
6 rasher(s)
British Streaky Bacon
2 unit(s)
Medium Tomato
750 grams
Gnocchi
12 milliliter(s)
Balsamic Vinegar
(Contains: Sulphites)
187.5 grams
Mascarpone Cheese
12 grams
Basil
200 grams
Green Beans
30 grams
Grated Hard Italian Style Cheese
(Contains: Milk, Egg)
125 grams
Baby Spinach
15000 milliliter(s)
Water
Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil with a pinch of salt for the gnocchi. Meanwhile, chop the bacon into 1cm wide pieces. Tip: Using scissors is easy here! Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat, add the bacon and fry, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 5-6 minutes.
Meanwhile, trim the green beans and chop into thirds. Chop the vine tomatoes into 2cm chunks and pop them in a bowl. Roughly chop the basil (stalks and all).
Add the beans to the bacon and cook, stirring, for 2 mins. Pour in the
water (see ingredients for amount), bring to the boil then lower the
heat to medium and simmer until the beans are cooked, 4-5 mins.
Meanwhile, add the gnocchi to the saucepan of boiling water and cook for 2-3 mins, then drain in a colander. Drizzle with a little oil to stop it sticking.
Meanwhile, stir the balsamic vinegar, half the basil and a pinch of salt and pepper into the tomatoes. Leave to one side.
Stir the spinach into the sauce a handful at a time to wilt it, then add the mascarpone and stir through until you have a creamy sauce. Tip the gnocchi into the pan and stir through, along with half the hard Italian cheese, until piping hot. Season with plenty of black pepper.
Serve the creamy bacon gnocchi in bowls. Serve some tomato salad alongside the adults' servings, then finish all with a scattering of remaining basil and hard Italian cheese. Enjoy!