Brown butter gnocchi with asparagus and peas

Another peas recipe.

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• Best for: dinner, serves 4

• Difficulty: easy

• Time: 30 minutes

• Recommended pairings: a light green salad

• If you like this, try... Orecchiette with peas and prosciutto

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Gnocchi seems like something you wouldn't make at home. I made this because we had gluten-free gnocchi from my family's favorite Italian grocer, Di Palo. This kind of dish is probably eaten more in the Winter, but my light version with Spring vegetables doesn't feel heavy at all. It comes together very quickly, and has few ingredients. I served it with homemade arugula and burrata pizzas and a salad for a big weekend meal.

Ingredients

1 package (16 oz) potato gnocchi

4 oz prosciutto, cut into thin strips (optional)

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp butter

2 tsp finely chopped garlic

1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1 1/2 cups sweet peas, fresh or frozen

12-16 oz asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1” lengths

1 tsp fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

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First...

Prepare gnocchi as per package directions.

Heat a 12-inch cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

If using (I didn't), add prosciutto to the skillet and cook until crispy, stirring occasionally, about 2 minutes, then remove.

Add 1/4 cup butter to the same skillet. Let over medium heat and continue to cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Once the butter is brown and smells nutty, remove from heat to a small bowl.

Then...

Add remaining butter to pan and melt. Add gnocchi and cook over medium heat in the skillet until browned, about 5 minutes.

Stir in garlic and thyme leaves, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Then...

Stir in salt, pepper, peas, and asparagus, along with half of the brown butter. Cook until vegetables are bright green and cooked through. This will take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir in remaining brown butter and lemon juice, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Finally...

Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately, topped with remaining parmesan cheese.