Asparagus And Pea Gnocchi With Toasted Onion Food

SHEET-PAN GNOCCHI WITH ASPARAGUS, LEEKS AND PEAS

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss gnocchi with 2 tablespoons oil, 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• On another rimmed baking sheet, toss asparagus, leeks and shallots with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few generous grinds of pepper.
• Put both pans in the oven, with the gnocchi on the bottom rack and the vegetables above. Stir the gnocchi and vegetables after 5 minutes to distribute the butter. Stir the vegetables once or twice more, but leave the gnocchi undisturbed. Roast until vegetables are golden and getting crispy on the edges, about 15 minutes total, and the gnocchi are golden brown on one side, 20 to 25 minutes total. Stir the peas into the vegetables in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Combine the gnocchi and vegetables on one tray, then grate the lemon zest over the top. Sprinkle with half the Parmesan and chives, if using, saving some for serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Toss to combine, and transfer to a serving bowl or platter. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and chives, and serve immediately.

PASTA PRIMAVERA WITH ASPARAGUS AND PEAS

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
• While the water is coming to a boil, slice snap peas and asparagus stems into 1/4-inch-thick pieces; leave asparagus tips whole.
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add snap peas, asparagus, English peas and onion. Cook until vegetables are barely tender (but not too soft or mushy), 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Drop pasta into boiling water and cook until al dente (1 to 3 minutes for fresh pasta, more for dried pasta). Drain well and transfer pasta to a large bowl. Immediately toss pasta with vegetables, Parmigiano-Reggiano, crème fraîche and herbs. Season generously with salt and pepper, if needed.

ROASTED ASPARAGUS WITH ONIONS

Steps:

• Arrange asparagus and onion separately on 2 baling sheets coated with cooking spray.
• Bake at 400 degrees F. 12-15 minutes for the asparagus and 15-18 minutes for the onion until lightly browned, stirring twice.
• Combine the vinegar and remaining ingredients in a small jar and shake vigorously.
• Arrange asparagus and onions on a platter.
• Pour mixture over and serve at room temperature.

ASPARAGUS AND PEA GNOCCHI WITH TOASTED ONION

Steps:

• In a small frypan, heat the oil. Add the onion and cook until brown. The idea here is to caramelise it and then crisp it up a bit, so don't turn the heat up too high right at the start. When suitable browned, remove the onion from the pan and cover it to keep it warm.
• Add cream to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes or so until it reduces a bit.
• Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi for a few minutes in a pot of salted boiling water.
• About two minutes before the gnocchi is done add the asparagus and peas to the boiling water.
• Drain the gnocchi and greens in a colander and return to the pot. Stir in the onion and cream and cook until just heated through.
• Serve topped with shavings of parmesan.