Dreaming in Meta

Recently I ordered the cookbook ‘Rocco Gets Real’ from Amazon, since it’s in their Bargain Bin. I thought, “It’s $7, how can I lose?”

You probably know Rocco DiSpirito from The Biggest Loser, as well as several appearances on Food Network. Surprisingly, this is just one of many cookbooks for him; this one named after his show on A&E. For $7, it’s a fantastic cookbook, with lots of delicious recipes, even some healthy ones that were featured on The Biggest Loser.

Paprika is one of my favorite spices to use; it’s also used heavily in Chicken Paprikash, one of my favorite dishes. This particular recipe from Rocco uses Sweet Smoked Paprika, also called Pimentón. It’s also very easy to make. Enjoy!

Pork & Potato Gnocchi with Creamy Smoked Paprika Sauce

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1½ pounds boneless pork chops

Salt and freshly ground pepper

1½ pounds fresh potato gnocchi

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 large Vidalia onion, sliced thin

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sweet smoked paprika

1½ cups sour cream

⅓ cup chopped fresh chives

Method

In a large cast-iron skilled, heat vegetable oil over high heat. Season pork shops with salt and pepper, add to the pan. Cook until golden brown and just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan; cover lightly with foil to keep warm. Turn heat to medium high.

While pork is cooking, bring a stockpot of salted water to a boil, and cook gnocchi according to package directions. Reserve one-half cup of the cooking water when gnocchi are done.

After pork chops are cooked, add butter to the pan over medium-high heat. When butter is hot, add onion. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are tender and caramelized, about 12 minutes.

Add the paprika, sour cream, gnocchi, and reserved gnocchi-cooking water to the pan; toss to coat. Stir in chives, season to taste with salt and pepper, if necessary.

Serve pork chops with gnocchi mixture.

Note: If you think you’ve added too much paprika to your taste, just add some more sour cream to soften the flavor.