Ricotta Gnocchi with Asparagus, Peas, and Morels

INGREDIENTS:

Gnocchi:

• 4 cups ricotta (from two 16-ounces containers)

• 2 large eggs

• 1 cup finely grated Parmesan

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetables & Assembly:

• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

• Kosher salt

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more

• 1/4 pound fresh morel mushrooms

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped

• 1 cup shelled fresh peas (from about 1 pound pods) or frozen peas, thawed

• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Chopped fresh chives, finely grated Parmesan, and finely grated lemon zest (for serving)

• Parmesan

• Finely grated lemon zest

PREPARATION:

For Gnocchi:

1. Line a baking dish with 3 layers of paper towels; spoon ricotta onto paper towels and let sit 20 minutes (if the ricotta is too wet, the dough won't hold together).

2. Combine ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, and salt in a food processor; season with pepper and process until smooth. Add flour and pulse just to combine (mixture should be smooth and fairly wet). Transfer gnocchi mixture to a pastry bag fitted with 1/2" round tip or a large resealable plastic bag.

DO AHEAD: Gnocchi mixture can be made 1 day ahead. Cover pastry tip and chill.

For Vegetables & Assembly:

1. Cook asparagus in a large pot of boiling salted water until bright green and crisp-tender, about 1 minute. Using tongs or a mesh strainer, transfer to a bowl of ice water to cool; drain. Slice asparagus on the diagonal into bite-size pieces, leaving tips intact.

2. Reduce heat so water is simmering. If using a resealable plastic bag for gnocchi mixture, cut a 1/2" opening in bottom of bag. Working in 3 batches, pipe dough into pot, cutting off 1" lengths with a paring knife and letting dough drop into water. Cook until doubled in size, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer gnocchi to a lightly oiled baking sheet. Reserve 1/4 cup cooking liquid.

3. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook morels, tossing occasionally, until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add shallot and cook, tossing occasionally, until shallot and morels are soft, about 5 minutes; set aside.

4. Add gnocchi, asparagus, peas, butter, and reserved cooking liquid to skillet with morels. Cook, tossing gently, until vegetables are warm and sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with chives, Parmesan, and lemon zest.