Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Nemesis, This Gnocchi is for You!

Skillet Gnocchi
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!
Gnocchi with Spinach
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?


Gnocchi with Spinach
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.

43 comments:

MrOrph said...

Yes Sharon, this dish warms the spirit.

I too love gnocchi.

I can identify with the sweaty leftovers on the benches. YUK! My gym is in my garage now. So my only gym nemesis, at this point, is motivation. :-)

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

This is a great recipe that I can whip up on a busy week night. And how about Barbie's perfume? She smells so fresh even though she is at a sweaty gym working out (LOL).

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Gorgeous dish!!

kat said...

Mine was the cute guy who always worked out when I did who distracted me from my workout

Leslie said...

Gym Barbie!!Too funny! I have seen a few of those in my days. But you know what?, Shes probably Bitchy. Its no good to be bitchy and pretty at the same time! I would rather be frumpy and nice any day!!!!

Anonymous said...

New reader - I love the blog! I want to try this gnocchi and also your strawberry cupcakes! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

This looks delicious enough to forget that it's healthy. I like the combination of veggies in the sauce.

Gym Barbie wouldn't eat this anyway, though. It's got Carbs. I know this because my younger sister is Gym Barbie. I know, the shame.... my gym nemesis was this guy with the cedars of Lebanon tattooed on his bicep. His workout consisted of preening and - I kid you not - making kissy-faces at himself in the mirror.

Anonymous said...

LOL, I totally have a gym nemesis. She works out short shorts and a sports bra. Always. Even in the middle of winter. Even though she doesn't sweat. So annoying.

Snooky doodle said...

THAT S NICE! YOU SURE THESE ARE HEALTHY? CAUSE USUALLY HEALTHY FOOD LOOKS BORING. HA THERE S ALWAYS A BARBIE IN EVERY GYM :(

Pam said...

Simple and tasty. I love gnocchi. Not a fan of gym barbie or sweaty guy either.

Mary said...

I am practially drooling over those pictures. I hate Gym Barbie too. I hate her even more when she "works out" in a sports bra and no shirt, flauting her perfect body [just read Kristal's comment and apparently we are in agreement].

Anonymous said...

We all hate gym barbie! She's a robot you know.

These however, are look wonderful and worth a couple extra miles on the treadmill.

That Girl said...

We must work out at the same gym - because I have allllll those same people who work out with me. With the added bonus of "Can't put weights back in their right place guy" and "Saves the weight bench with her sweatshirt while she's on the cardio machines" girl

Ana Powell said...

I love gnocchi too.
Your`s just look absolutely delicious.
And great photos too...
Ana x

Esi said...

Gym Barbie doesn't eat!! I'm telling you that's what it is. :) This is a great looking dish!

MaryBeth said...

I love gnocchi, your dish looks so warm and inviting.

Anonymous said...

I made this same dish last night. I'm not sure I loved the whole fry the gnocchi thing, I may boil them next time, but it was pretty yummy otherwise!

Maris said...

YUM! Gnocchi is pretty much my favorite pasta ever and I love that this recipe is good FOR you too!

Unknown said...

doubtful gym barbie eats gnocchi :)

but i'm totally down! this looks fantastic!!!

Char said...

Have you ever made gnocchi from scratch?

test it comm said...

I like the sound of serving gnocchi like this.

grace said...

how kind of you to dedicate a dish to your nemesis! i'm all to familiar with her kind--they're a species i've always resented and envied and of which i will never be a member. :)

The Blonde Duck said...

Tell your gym nemisis she drives me crazy. If you ever want to see how I keep my figure, just look for the red-faced, dripping in sweat pale blond person that's logged in 6 miles + on the treadmill or done an hour of kicboxing and then tons of weights.

I want to kill Barbie.

vanillasugarblog said...

Oh Lord I have a couple of those gym barbie's too. They are annoying. One of mine speaks, and when she does speak it's like Minney Mouse is in the room. Ugh.
I love gnocchi though.

Bunny said...

I don't have a gym but working in a restaurant and seeing these nice slim girls who can eat like there's no tomorrow and not gain and ounce just kills me!

La Bella Cooks said...

Fantastic dish!

Anonymous said...

Oh Gym Barbie! I see her at my gym all the time. She wears a TON of makeup. Blue eyeshadow. Yuck.

Sharon said...

I've thoroughly enjoyed reading about all the characters at your gym as well!

Fearless Kitchen - you're probably right. Too many carbs..Barbie wouldn't eat this!

Kristal & Mary - I wonder what inspires her to go to the gym half naked?

Char Anne - I've been meaning to make my own gnocchi but have been too lazy lately!

Unknown said...

Mmmm...this sounds super yummy and hearty. It's always hard to find healthy recipes that are actually filling that I would eat, so this sounds great!

Sophie said...

Hearty meals like these are the best! Gnocchi is something I've got to try. I'm always on the lookout for healthy meals with all the flavor, yum! Thanks for sharing :)!

Maria said...

There is always an interesting crowd at the gym! I love this recipe! We love making gnocchi. We will try it this way next time!

Jenny said...

Hi Sharon,
This dish looks warm and hearty. I love it! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Katrina said...

Love your post about the gym nemesis'esss! And perfect timing as my friend and I just joined a gym and will be going for the first time tomorrow! I would love to try this gnocchi

The Blonde Duck said...

Sussy for you on my Monday blog!

Laura said...

This cracked me up. I am very suspicious of women who don't sweat.

Anonymous said...

THis looks perfect for a chilly evening! Anyone who goes to a gym is my nemisis! Ha

Hayley said...

You had me laughing out loud with this post. I too have all of those characters at my gym. How is that someone can be at the gym no matter when you go? Don't these people have jobs or families? I always wonder.

As for the gnocchi, they look fantastic. I'm going to Maggiano's (one of my fave restaurants) this weekend, and this is what I always order.

Thanks for your comment, I would love to post one (or more) of your lemon recipes, so let me know if you're going to post one so I can link to it, or if you already have posted one in the past. Thanks Again!

Aggie said...

Oooh...Gym Barbie, I so know who you mean!!

This looks so good, I love gnocchi so much!!

Do you get Eating Well magazine? I just recently came across it...

Emily said...

What a delicious and filling meal for winter!

Anonymous said...

I have tried your recipe and it was fantastic! My family loves it!

Anonymous said...

My boyfriend gnocchi and would love this dish! I like the incorporation of healthier veggies (spinach and white beans) as opposed to simply serving gnocchi in a sauce. Nicely done!

Anonymous said...

We have Sweaty Biker at my gym...he rides for hours every night, with towels lining the floor around the bike. Gross!

That may not be a pleasant mental picture for a food blog but...the gnocchi looks amazing too!!

Anonymous said...

Made this recently... it was wonderful! Thanks for sharing the recipe!