Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Introducing Creamy Gnocchi Soup, a hearty and comforting dish filled with vibrant vegetables, savory bacon, and pillowy gnocchi in a creamy coconut milk base. This soup is rich in flavors from herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme, complemented by the warmth of fennel seeds and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes.

Perfect for colder days, it’s a wholesome meal that combines the creaminess of coconut milk with the savory notes of Parmesan or Asiago cheese.

Serve this soup garnished with crispy bacon and shredded cheese alongside crusty bread for a satisfying dining experience that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Ingredients:

Thick cut bacon

1tbsp basil, dried

6 carrots cut

4 celery stalk cut

2 garlic cloves

4 cups kale

1tbsp fresh rosemary

2 tbsp fresh thyme

1 yellow onion (I did less)

1 1/2 cups coconut milk

4 cups vegetable broth

1lb fresh gnocchi

2 tbsp flour or cornstarch

1tsp fennel seeds

Salt & pepper to taste

Red pepper flakes (I prefer mine spicy!)

2 tbsp olive oil

2 tbsp butter

1/2 parmesan or asiago cheese shredded. Or both!

Instructions:

Step 1:

Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Cook until crisp about 5 minutes.

In the last minute add fresh rosemary.

Remove bacon keep about 1 tbsp bacon grease.

Add olive oil and onions.

Cook 5 minutes until golden.

Add carrots, celery, garlic, pepper flakes, fennel, basil, salt, pepper cook 5 minutes until very fragrant.

Step 2:

Stir in butter and flour/cornstarch.

Cook 1 minute add broth.

Simmer over medium heat for 20 minutes until carrots are tender.

Step 3:

10 minutes before serving stir in kale, coconut milk, parm and Gnocchi. If too thick add more broth.

Serve warm with rosemary bacon and shredded cheese. Also with some crispy carb filled bread!

Notes:

Ingredients Selection: Use thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and ensure the vegetables are fresh for optimal taste and texture.

Preparation Efficiency: Prepare all ingredients beforehand, as the cooking process moves quickly once started.

Bacon and Aromatics: Cooking the bacon until crisp adds depth; adding fresh rosemary in the final minute infuses a robust aroma.

Vegetable Sauté: Sautéing onions until golden enhances sweetness, while adding carrots, celery, garlic, and spices like fennel seeds and basil develops complex flavors.

Thickening Agent: Mixing flour or cornstarch with butter creates a roux that thickens the soup base, ensuring a creamy texture.

Simmering the Soup: Simmering the soup for 20 minutes allows flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for preferred spiciness.

Adding Gnocchi and Kale: Incorporating fresh gnocchi and kale 10 minutes before serving ensures they cook through without becoming mushy. Adjust consistency with additional broth if needed.

Finishing Touches: Stirring in coconut milk and Parmesan or Asiago cheese enriches the soup’s creaminess and flavor profile.

Garnishing: Garnish with reserved rosemary bacon and shredded cheese before serving to add a crunchy texture and enhance visual appeal.

Serving Suggestions: Serve the soup warm with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth and complete the meal with a satisfying, comforting experience.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 bowl of soup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of bacon in this recipe, or is thick-cut bacon necessary?

You can use other types of bacon, including regular or turkey bacon.

Thick-cut bacon provides a richer flavor and texture, but the choice of bacon can be adjusted to your preference.

What can I substitute for coconut milk if I have dietary restrictions or preferences?

If you prefer not to use coconut milk, you can substitute it with other non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.

Keep in mind that this substitution may slightly alter the flavor.

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh gnocchi in this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi in this recipe.

Be sure to follow the package instructions for cooking the frozen gnocchi before adding it to the soup, as the cooking time may vary.

How spicy is this soup with red pepper flakes, and can I adjust the spice level?

The spiciness of the soup with red pepper flakes can be adjusted to your liking.

Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and taste as you go

. You can add more if you prefer a spicier soup or omit them for a milder flavor.

What is the best way to store and reheat leftover Creamy Gnocchi Soup?

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave.

If the soup thickens upon refrigeration, you may need to add a bit of additional broth or milk when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried basil, rosemary, and thyme?

Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried ones in this recipe.

Keep in mind that fresh herbs are generally more flavorful than dried herbs, so you may need to use a larger quantity to achieve a similar taste.

What can I substitute for coconut milk if I don’t have it on hand?

If you don’t have coconut milk, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half as a substitute for a creamier texture.

Alternatively, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or another non-dairy milk if you prefer a non-coconut flavor.

Is it necessary to use both butter and olive oil for sautéing the vegetables, or can I use one or the other?

Using both butter and olive oil adds depth of flavor to the soup, but you can use either one if you prefer.

Olive oil provides a healthier option, while butter adds richness.

Choose based on your taste and dietary preferences.

Can I make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later?

Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time and reheat it later.

Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

What type of bread is best to serve with Creamy Gnocchi Soup for a crispy carb-filled accompaniment?

You can serve various types of bread with this soup, such as crusty French bread, Italian bread, or even garlic bread for added flavor.

Toasted or warm bread slices make a delicious and crispy accompaniment to soak up the creamy soup.