A Match Made in Comfort Food Heaven!

 

Ever stared at a bag of frozen peas and felt uninspired? Well, we’ve got a recipe that will make you think twice! This week, we're turning the humble frozen pea into a star ingredient, pairing it perfectly with the bold flavor of tarragon and the crispy goodness of bacon, all tossed in a creamy sauce with gnocchi.

As we embrace the changing seasons, we're all about exploring new flavor combinations. And let me tell you, tarragon and peas have quickly become one of my favorites!

Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Peas

Serves 2-4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

 
 

Ingredients

  • ½ tbsp oil

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 200g unsmoked or smoked bacon lardons

  • 500g ready-made gnocchi

  • 150ml vegetable or chicken stock

  • 150ml double cream

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season

  • 2 tbsp chopped tarragon

  • 200g frozen peas

Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and fry for 5 minutes or until softened and beginning to brown.

  2. Stir in the bacon and fry for 5–6 minutes or until golden and crispy, with the fat released.

  3. Add the gnocchi to the pan and fry for 2–3 minutes or until they start to brown slightly, stirring carefully to avoid breaking them. Transfer the cooked gnocchi to a plate and set aside.

  4. Combine the stock and cream in a jug and pour into the pan. Season with salt and pepper, then bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.

  5. Stir in the chopped tarragon and frozen peas, cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until the peas are tender and warmed through.

  6. Return the gnocchi to the pan, gently stir them into the sauce, and cook for another 1–2 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.

Tom’s Tips

  • Tarragon can be a bit strong, so I’ve kept it subtle here. If you're new to it, try adding just a tablespoon to start. You can always add a bit more if you want a more pronounced flavor.

  • If you want a vegetarian version, simply skip the bacon. For that salty kick, try grating some hard Italian cheese over the top before serving!

 
THOMAS NEWFIELD