For years, I knew that the only way to make gnocchi and to enjoy it in a dish was by boiling them.

On day I was watching ABC’s “The Chew” and just happened to see Chef Jonathan Waxman explain how his most popular dish that is currently being served at his resturant Babutto in New York City, was an accident.

As it turned out, sauting the  gnocchi instead of boiling it ,makes for a crispy, yet fluffy version of gnocchi and I positively guarantee that you will never want to boil gnocchi again.

Now it is time to take a little  trip to New York City and see how my homemade version of this dish matches up with Chef  Waxman’s original recipe.

Yes, I know, as a true foodie, I  will make any excuse to take a road trip for a great meal, anywhere in the world…..

Serves 4

Ingredients:
For the Gnocchi
4 russet potatoes (cooked for 1 hour & chilled)
8 cloves garlic (peeled, trimmed, cut in half & deveined)
1 sprig rosemary
3 Tablespoons flour
1 egg
2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 Tablespoons butter, divided
2 Tablespoons olive oil
2 cups asparagus, chopped
1 cup fiddle heads
2 cups ramps (chopped)
1 cup sugar snap peas
Sea salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:
For the Gnocchi:
Boil the potatoes with rosemary, garlic & a handful of salt. Rice the potatoes onto a lightly floured marble or wood surface. Dust the potatoes with the flour, and drizzle 1 teaspoon of olive oil on top. Form a small well and break the egg into the flour. Work the egg into dough adding flour when needed. Make sure not to overwork it or it will be tough. Do this for 2 to 3 minutes then let the dough rest.

Roll the dough into ¾ inch diameter tubes. Using a chef knife, whack the gnocchi into 1-inch lengths. When the gnocchi are finished freeze them for at least 1 hour.

Heat 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the butter and oil are almost golden, add the frozen gnocchi and sauté for 3 minutes, moving them around so all sides start to turn golden.

Add the asparagus, ramps, fiddle heads and sugar snap peas and continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add the remaining butter and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Season with salt and pepper and toss in the Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Cook’s Note:
Make a large batch of gnocchi and freeze, just so you can have it on hand for a delicious and impromptu meal when unexpected guests arrive for dinner.