Inspired by Tepig

Tepig Tomato Gnocchi

Name: Tepig Tomato Gnocchi
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 500 g Gnocchi; 6 Cumberland Sausages; 250 g Cherry Tomatoes (halved); 1 tbsp Paprika; Fresh Basil (chopped)

A very easy recipe inspired by Tepig, the Fire Pig Pokémon. Utilising sausages, gnocchi and cherry tomatoes creates a quick and easy dinner for kids and adults!

Servings:

2

Ready In:

20 mins

Good For:

Dinner

Tepig, described as the Fire Pig Pokémon, is a starter Pokémon from the 5th generation. Of the 5th generation Pokémon, I loved the look of Tepig the best. It has oval eyes, a red nose, and a thick yellow stripe on its snout. Its skin is dark brown and orange and has long pointed ears. Tepig has short, stubby, orange legs and the front feet are tipped black. It has a curly black tail with a red ball at the end.

It evolves into Pignite, then Emboar, a fire fighting type Pokemon with flames on its shoulders and a large black and yellow patterned belt. It is believed that Emboar is based upon Zhu Bajie, a pig demon from the Chinese tale Journey to the West. His buddhist name “Zhu Wuneng” translates to “pig who rises to power”.

I took inspiration from the colours and features of the visual aspect of Tepig, utilising cherry tomatoes from the tail, sausage from the pig build and fried cooked gnocchi with added paprika, to create an orangey texture from the skin.

Ingredients

500g Gnocchi
6 Cumberland Sausages
250g Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
1 tbsp Paprika
Fresh Basil Leaves (chopped)

You can make this dish vegetarian if you wish, by replacing the sausages with your preferred vegetarian or vegan sausages, cooked as per pack instructions then cut up and added to the rest of the dish. You’ll have to amend the instructions below to make this replacement. Alternatively try adding chopped up Tofu chunks or chopped mushrooms. You’ll get a different taste (obviously) but if you add some extra herbs and spices like sage and extra black pepper, you can recreate the flavours found in cumberland sausages.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1

Cook gnocchi (according to pack instructions) in boiling water for 3-5 minutes until they are floating in the water.

Step 2

Meanwhile, slice the sausages into 1-2 cm discs. Add oil to a large frying pan and then add the sausages until cooked on all sides.

Step 3

Add the tomatoes and cook for two minutes. Drain the gnocchi. Sprinkle paprika over the cooked gnocchi then add them to the frying pan. Season with salt and black pepper. Cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 4

Turn off heat then mix in chopped basil leaves. Serve with an extra garnish of basil leaves.