Gnocchi with sopressata, garlic, and herbs

This is such a simple dish and so flavorful. Better yet, it's quick and easy. I can even give you some quantities for this recipe. Serves 2 as a main dish or use it as a side to make that piece of grilled chicken a happy camper.

What you'll need:

• One package of gnocchi, fresh or frozen
• 4 oz. sliced sopressata
• Lots of freshly sliced garlic
• A few tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs like Italian parsley, oregano, basil
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Parmesan or romano cheese, grated
• Freshly ground pepper and kosher or sea salt

Put a pot of water on to boil the gnocchi. When it comes to a boil, add a copious amount of salt to the water. The gnocchi are ready when they float. I'm using a whole wheat gnocchi.

In the mean time, add a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to a frying pan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the sliced sopressata to the pan and allow to cook until just crisp. You can use whatever kind of Italian dry salami you'd like. Then add the sliced garlic.

Lower the heat and allow the garlic to cook for only a minute. If the gnocchi is not ready yet, take the frying pan off the heat. You don't want to burn the garlic. When the gnocchi is ready, scoop it out with a slotted spoon or drain the water, and add it to the frying pan.

Next, add whatever fresh herbs you have. I like to use Italian parsley and fresh oregano. Add some freshly ground pepper. Mix everything together, and then taste it. You may not need any additional salt, but adjust as necessary.

Serve with lots of grated cheese - locatelli, parmesan, whatever you have. This is my hubby's favorite dish. He could eat the entire pan full of gnocchi. In fact, he told me I never make enough of it. From now on, I'm going to double the recipe just for him.