Directions

For the Gnocchi:

If you have fresh peas you will have to cook them. See Place them in water with a dash of salt and cook them on medium heat for about an hour until soft.

If you have frozen peas, thaw them out in a colander or just leave the bag on the counter until they are cool but not frozen.

Place the peas the potato and the oil in a food processor and blend until smooth.  You can use a potato masher but you really have to go at it. Pull out a fork and a spoon and whatever you can find to make a smooth, smooth paste.

Pile all of four on a cutting board or clean counter. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour the puree into the well.  Gently work the flour into the puree until it becomes a light dough.

Roll your dough into a log and cut it into two pieces. Roll one of the pieces into a half inch round sized rope. Use plenty of flour.

Cut the Gnocchi into about one inch segments and sprinkle them with flour so they don’t stick together. Gently shape the gnocchi back into shape if need be and mark each dumpling with your fork to make ridges.

Store the gnocchi in a plastic container and dust it with flour.  It will stay for about three days unless frozen.

To cook the gnocchi:

Boil a quart of water with a dash of salt and oil. Add half of the gnocchi one or two at a time to the water. If the gnocchi start to sink, stir them gently so they don’t stick to the bottom. When the gnocchi start floating to the top pluck them out of the water with a slotted spoon on to paper towels.

To make the Sauce:

Add a Tablespoon of the pea puree to a cup of cream (or vegan sour cream mixed with vegetable stock).

Bacon Version:

Cut bacon into half inch strips. Space bacon pieces apart into a skillet on medium heat. Cook until bacon is done to your liking.  Drain all the grease from the pan. Add the pea cream and cook .

Mushroom Variety:

Add one teaspoon vegan butter to a hot skillet. Add chopped mushrooms and fry them for a minute without stirring. Stir in a clove of crushed garlic to the saute pan and a pinch of salt. Continue until mushrooms are nicely browned then add the pea cream and cook unitl warm

To Finish:

Slice a half cup of cherry tomatoes in two. Add them and a quarter cup of peas to the pea cream and continue to warm.

In a separate and hot pan add one tablespoon vegan butter.  When the butter is melted add the gnocchi.  Make sure the pan and the butter is hot.  Let the gnocchi get browned on one side.  Using a spatula, scrape them from the bottom of the pan, trying to keep the browned part in tact.

Add the gnocchi to the pea cream, toss and serve. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.