Italian Beef Ragu & Gnocchi

In a medium frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over a medium-high heat. Add the red onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add the thyme, garlic and Italian herbs and cook for 1 minute, or until fragrant.

Add the beef mince to the same pan and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, for 4 minutes, or until browned. Add the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, crushed tomatoes, water and crumble in the beef stock (1 cube for 2 people / 2 cubes for 4 people). Simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

While the beef is cooking, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the gnocchi (see ingredients list) in a single layer and fry, tossing occasionally, for 6-8 minutes, or until golden. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel to drain. TIP: If the gnocchi doesn't fit in a single layer, fry in batches so it becomes golden, adding extra olive oil if necessary.

Add the gnocchi to the beef mixture and toss to coat. TIP: Add a splash more water to loosen the sauce, if you like!