IF YOU like deeply savoury food that’s substantial and satisfying, this week’s Italian vegetarian recipe – sage and parmesan gnocchi with chunky tomato sauce – is for you.

I bought everything I needed at Lidl. As supermarkets go it’s pretty basic, but nevertheless gets a gold star for supplying top notch ingredients at rock bottom prices. For example, a large (750ml) bottle of peppery extra virgin olive oil by Primadonna cost a mere £2.50. The best tinned tomatoes I’ve had in ages came from Nostia at 33p a can and a big fat wedge of parmigiano reggiano was a snip at £2.79.

But apart from purse-friendly ingredients, this recipe packs a powerful punch. It’s simple to make, tastes delicious and is loved by all who try it (even hardened meat eaters come back for seconds.) Gnocchi has a reputation for being difficult. It’s one of those labour intensive recipes requiring the three Ps (practice, patience and persistence) and even then doesn’t always turn out right.

So why bother?

Because my foolproof recipe works out brilliantly every time and tastes even better than the fiddly version. It’s ridiculously easy and on the table in 30 minutes flat.

You just sling all the ingredients together in a saucepan, cook for a minute or two, spread in a loaf tin, bake for 20 minutes, and – ta da – soft, fluffy, golden gnocchi.

For a memorable and moreish supper, serve topped with a rich tomato sauce that's straight out of Italy.

It’s worth making extra just for snacking on, try having it sliced cold or toasted under the grill. So what are you waiting for? Go to www.umawylde.blogspot.com