Gnocchi with Asparagus, Chilli & Pangratatto

Preheat oven to 200°C Fan.

For pangratatto, combine bread, garlic, oil and lemon zest in a large bowl and transfer to a baking tray. Bake for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crunchy. Set aside to cool, then stir through parsley.

For the gnocchi, cook potatoes in a large saucepan of salted boiling water until tender (about 20 minutes). Drain and pass through a potato ricer or mouli while still hot. Allow potato to cool to room temperature and cease steaming. Transfer potato to an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. On low speed, add the parmesan, egg and salt. Beat until incorporated then slowly add the flour until combined (alternatively, this step can be done by hand). Transfer dough onto kitchen bench and lightly dust with flour. Roll dough into 2cm thick logs, then cut into 2-3cm long gnocchi.

Heat oil and butter in a large frypan over medium heat. Add asparagus and cook for 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic and chilli and cook for a further 1 minute until fragrant. Turn off the heat.

Working in batches so as not to crowd the pot, cook gnocchi in a large saucepan of salted boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, or until they float to the surface (do not overcook or the gnocchi will disintegrate). Remove with a slotted spoon and add to the asparagus, along with ⅓ cup of the gnocchi water. Gently toss gnocchi and asparagus together until coated. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve topped with finely grated parmesan cheese and sprinkle over pangratatto.