Gnocchi, Ham and Pea Casserole

Serves: to serve 4

Prep Time: 10 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Ready In: 30 mins

1 tablespoon - butter

1 - onion

8 oz - cooked ham (deli ham)

¼ teaspoon - chopped fresh thyme

½ pint - water

1 - chicken stock cube

1 lb - potato gnocchi

6 oz - frozen peas (thawed)

4 tablespoons - single cream (heavy cream)

- pepper

4 oz - Gruyere cheese

Peel and chop the onion, dice the ham and grate (shred) the cheese. Melt the butter in a large ovenproof frying pan (skillet) over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 4 minutes (stirring) until softened. Stir in the diced ham and the thyme and continue to cook until the ham is lightly browned.
Boil the water and dissolve the chicken stock cube (it will make a slightly stronger-than-normal stock). Add this to the pan and bring to a simmer. Add the gnocchi, stir well, cover and cook for about 5-6 minutes until the gnocchi is becoming tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the peas, cream, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly-ground black pepper. Check the seasoning and add a little salt if required. Sprinkle the grated Gruyere cheese over the top and place under a pre-heated grill (broiler) for 3-4 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve hot.