Gnocchi, Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage in a Sage and Brown Butter Sauce is a simple, delicious and comforting dish that beautifully combines the flavors and textures of classic Italian cuisine with a touch of rustic fall charm.
Gnocchi, made with potatoes, offers a delicious soft and chewy texture. They act as a perfect canvas to absorb the rich flavors of the sauce. The inclusion of butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and creaminess to the dish, complementing the savory elements. Its soft texture when cooked contrasts nicely with the firmer gnocchi. Italian sausage brings a spicy, robust flavor, while introducing a meaty depth that anchors the dish. The choice between mild and spicy sausages is yours. The sauce is the star of the dish, with butter cooking until it reaches a nutty, toasty aroma, and fresh sage leaves adding a slightly peppery, earthy note. It not only offers rich flavors but also a silky texture that coats gnocchi and vegetables beautifully.
The dish strikes a balance between simplicity of ingredients and complexity of flavors. The sweetness of the squash, the savory punch of the sausage, and the aromatic richness of the sage and brown butter sauce create a symphony of flavors that hits in their different weight classes. The contrasting textures – from the soft gnocchi and squash to the slightly crispy sausage – make each bite interesting and satisfying. With its vibrant colors – the orange of the squash, the golden brown of the gnocchi and the speckled brown of the sausage – this dish is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Cooking Tips
- Sauce timing: It is essential to carefully monitor the butter as it browns to prevent burning. Adding sage at the right time gives flavor to the sauce.
- Cooking the gnocchi: The gnocchi should be cooked until it floats on the surface of the boiling water to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Wine pairing
This dish goes well with several types of wine. The key is to balance the richness of the brown butter sausage and sage sauce with the sweetness of the squash.
- Chardonnay: Opt for a Chardonnay with a nice balance of oak and acidity. The wine’s buttery notes complement the sage and brown butter sauce, while its acidity contrasts with the richness of the dish.
- Grenache (Garnacha): A Grenache, known for its berry flavors and spicy notes, can provide a nice contrast to the savory elements of the dish without overpowering it.
- Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can be a great pairing. It offers enough fruitiness to complement the sweetness of the squash, and its subtle earthy notes pair well with the sage and sausage.
Butternut Squash and Italian Sausage Gnocchi in a Brown Butter and Sage Sauce is a comforting dish that combines the comforting textures of gnocchi with the rich, layered flavors of butternut squash, Italian sausage, and a decadent sauce with sage and brown butter. It’s a dish that speaks to the heart of Italian cuisine while delighting with its seasonal warmth and complexity. Appreciate!
