Tuscan sausage and porcini sauce with gnocchi

Method

1. Skin the sausages and set aside the sausagemeat. Place the dried porcini mushrooms in a bowl, cover with 400ml hot water and set aside.

2. Heat the olive oil in a deep, frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add the sausagemeat and cook for 5 minutes, breaking up the meat into chunky pieces, until lightly browned. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Melt the butter in the same pan, reduce the heat slightly and add the onion. Cook gently for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Drain the soaked mushrooms, reserving the liquid, and chop. Add to the onion along with the chestnut mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes.

4. Return the sausagemeat to the pan, add the garlic and rosemary and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes and all but the last tablespoon of the mushroom liquid – discard the remaining tablespoon as this might be gritty. Bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring, until thickened. Stir in the cream and season.

5. Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi in a saucepan of boiling water for 3 minutes or until they have all risen to the surface. Drain well and divide between bowls. Spoon over the sauce and scatter with Parmesan to serve.