GNOCCHI CON POLPETTE DI MANZO

Steps:

• Put the tomatoes into a saucepan over medium heat. Add the thyme leaves, bay leaf, oregano, garlic powder, sugar, and salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Preheat the broiler.
• Put the beef and pork into a large bowl and add the parsley, bread crumbs, cumin, oregano, eggs, and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine. Take a tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a small ball; repeat. You will get about 80 small meatballs. Put them onto a sheet pan and broil until they are browned and cooked through, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and rinse. Toss them in the olive oil.
• To serve: Using long skewers, skewer on a gnocchi, a meatball, and then another gnocchi. Press the top gnocchi into the crushed sweet pepper. Cut an eggplant in half lengthwise and put it cut side down onto a platter. Stick the finished skewers into the eggplant. Serve with a bowl of warm marinara on the side for dipping.