We prepare this dish minus the second namesake, i.e. the olives.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 oz bacon, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- ½ lbs coarsely ground beef (look for "chili grind")
- 2 tbsp brandy or red wine
- 3 shallots, chopped
- 1 c diced carrots
- 1 stalk celery, sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1 15-ounce can plum tomatoes
- 1 c low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 1-inch strips orange peel
- 2/3 c nicoise olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 package (about 1 pound) vacuum-packed gnocch
Instructions
Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and garlic; cook until the bacon starts to brown, about 4 minutes. Add the ground beef; cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add the brandy, shallots, carrots, celery and tomato paste; cook until the vegetables soften, about 4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
Crush the tomatoes into the pan with your hands and add any juices from the can. Stir in the broth, bay leaf, orange peel and olives. Bring to a simmer and lower the heat; cover and cook 20 minutes. Uncover, increase the heat and bring to a boil to thicken the sauce.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil the gnocchi until one floats to the top, about 1 minute. Drain immediately to prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy. Remove the orange peel and bay leaf from the sauce and season with salt and pepper. Toss the gnocchi with the sauce.
