I made this meal shortly before we left Spain to return to the United States for a visit. My goal was threefold: 1) cook for the I Heart Cooking Clubs featured ingredient (pasta) 2) make something that used ingredients I had on hand and 3) I didn’t want a ton of leftovers. Gnocchi with peas fit the bill on all accounts.
Now, I’m the first to admit this would be much MUCH better with fresh ingredients, but it was a flavorful bowl nonetheless. A pack of frozen gnocchi, a can of peas and a bit of hard cheese made enough for a nice lunch for Rick and I.
The inspiration for this bowl was Heidi Swanson’s cooking technique for gnocchi which pan fries freshly made gnocchi in a bit of clarified butter without boiling. Since mine were frozen I plunged them into a pot of boiling water for a few minutes before using a spider (affiliate link) to strain and transfer them directly to my skillet for the finish.
As mentioned, fresh or frozen peas would have been a better choice, but the gnocchi was one of the last things in the freezer (I have some pecans and a jar of really hot Asian peppers left). Not to fret, there will be a next time. And I plan to add some chopped onion and a couple handfuls of arugula or spring greens.
Ingredients
- 1 package fresh or frozen gnocchi
- 1/2 medium onion chopped (not shown but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 can peas or two cups frozen
- 1/4 cup grated hard cheese
- chopped fresh or dried herbs I used dried parsley
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Skip to the next step if using fresh.
- Meanwhile heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Saute the onion until softened.
- Drain the gnocchi and add to the onions, stirring to coat. Continue to cook the gnocchi until they begin to turn golden brown. Stir gently to prevent over browning.
- Add the peas and mix. Season with salt, pepper and herbs as desired.
- Mix in some grated hard cheese before serving and garnish with more herbs.
Be sure to drop by I Heart Cooking Clubs to see how the other bloggers were inspired by our featured ingredient: pasta.
Great dish, I’d love it too
If you did not mention that all the ingredients were from the freezer and pantry, no one would know it. The lively green color is giving the dish a pop. Very successful dish!
Simple and delicious!
It is! It’s ready in less than half an hour 🙂
An excellent use of what you had available. It’s been awhile since I’ve made gnocchi myself.