Gnocchi with Ham & Peas

This might just be the dish that starts a new tradition on our Easter brunch table.  Last week, we had a great time at the coast celebrating spring break.  We decided to travel back on Saturday so that we could spend Easter at home.  I normally cook a big, beautiful ham and serve it with fresh veggies and lot's of deviled eggs.  This year, I discovered just what little time I had left to prepare our traditional meal so I decided to make something a "little" different.

I made this beautiful, creamy, delicious gnocchi and it was the star of the day!  Those tender little dumplings were perfect with savory ham, fresh peas all baked in a creamy sauce topped with cheese.  Of course, we still had deviled eggs and I made a sweet fruit salad to round out the menu.  It was a wonderful, new Easter Brunch that is destined to make a comeback!

Gnocchi with Ham & Peas

1 tablespoon butter

1 medium size onion - diced

1 cup chopped ham - from deli or leftovers

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

3/4 cup chicken broth plus 1/2 cup water

1 package potato gnocchi – 17.5 oz. standard size

1 cup frozen peas - thawed

2 teaspoons lemon zest

1/4 cup heavy cream or half & half

1 cup shredded parmesan or cheddar cheese

• Preheat oven broiler to high.
• Melt butter in large ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook until translucent.  
• Add ham and thyme. Continue to cook until ham is slightly brown on edges.
• Pour in chicken broth/water and bring to a simmer.
• Gently add gnocchi, stir until ingredients are mixed then cover and cook until gnocchi is tender - about 4 minutes.
• Remove skillet from heat.  Stir in peas, lemon zest and cream. 
• Adjust seasonings with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper.
• Top with cheeses and broil until golden and bubbly, approximately 4-5 minutes. 
• To serve - sprinkle with additional cheese and chopped chives.
• Cooks Notes ~ 
• Gnocchi is a potato dumpling and can be found in the dried pasta or frozen section in most grocery stores.
• I used deli sandwich ham, which I diced.  Using leftover ham would work wonderfully in this dish.
• Any cheese can be used in the dish.  I had Parmesan and Cheddar on hand so that is what I used.  A single cheese or combination of 2 is fine to use.