Nemesis, This Gnocchi is for You!

Do you have a gym nemesis? Maybe it's the Wet Guy who profusely sweats all over every machine you want use.... Or, the MeatHead Grunter who startles you with his "OOH HOO" each time you lift a dumbbell. And then there's the Gym Rat who you spot at the gym 24/7 - whether you're on your normal schedule or randomly working out at 11pm.

Well, my gym nemesis is Gym Barbie. Perhaps it's a little bit out of jealousy, but how do you never sweat? And keep that perfect body when you only walk on the treadmill...slowly? Oh Gym Barbie! Tell me your secrets. Do you wear waterproof makeup? Oh wait, I forgot. You don't sweat!

In honor of my Gym Nemesis who clearly never eats Bling Cupcakes or Ginormous Cookies, I'm posting today's healthy meal of Skillet Gnocchi with Spinach and White Beans. Surely she must eat, right?



I absolutely love gnocchi. There's something about the little pillows of goodness that is so comforting and delicious. Smother those potato babes in pesto, meat sauce, cream sauce....I'll take it. Though with my skinny nemesis in mind, I decided to make this healthy version that's cooked in a little olive oil instead of the usual boil. It's a hearty, easy to make meal perfect for a weeknight. It also proves to you that in our household we actually eat real meals as opposed to desserts everyday :)

Skillet Gnocchi with Spinach & White Beans
Adapted from Eating Well, February '09

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 16 oz package of gnocchi
1 sweet onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup water
6 cups spinach, stems removed
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes with garlic & olive oil
1 15 oz can of cannelinni beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1. Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add gnocchi and pan fry for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

2. In the same skillet, spray with nonstick cooking spray or add a little more olive oil. Saute onion until tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in garlic and water. Cover and cook until onion is soft. Add spinach and cook until spinach starts to wilt.

3. Add tomatoes, beans, pepper, and bring to a simmer. Stir in gnocchi and add cheese. Cover and cook until cheese melts.