Easy Rustic Gnocchi

Savor the comforting flavors of Easy Rustic Gnocchi, featuring tender homemade dumplings paired with vibrant asparagus and aromatic thyme. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend gathering.

• 400 g floury potatoes
• 350 g asparagus
• 50 g plain flour
• ½ bunch fresh thyme
• 50 g Parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   Wash the potatoes, chop into 3cm chunks and cook in a large pan of boiling salted water for 12 minutes, or until tender.

2. 2

   Line up the asparagus, trim off the woody ends, then slice the stalks 1cm thick, leaving the tips whole.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes and steam dry for 2 minutes, then return to the pan and mash well. Taste and season to perfection with sea salt and black pepper.

4. 4

   Fill the empty pan with boiling kettle water and place on a high heat. Use your hands to scrunch the flour with the potato, then divide into 24 pieces.

5. 5

   Squeeze each in your palm to compress, into little uneven gnocchi, then drop into the boiling water for 1 minute, or until they float.

6. 6

   Put the asparagus into a large non-stick frying pan on a medium-low heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stirring occasionally.

7. 7

   Strip in most of the thyme leaves, then use a slotted spoon to add the gnocchi straight in.

8. 8

   Finely grate over most of the Parmesan and toss well, adding 100ml of gnocchi cooking water to emulsify it into a nice sauce.

9. 9

   Taste, season to perfection, then dish up. Grate over the remaining Parmesan, strip over the remaining thyme, and finish with a little drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.