Frazzled pepperoni with halloumi, gnocchi and chopped rocket

Frazzled pepperoni with halloumi, gnocchi and chopped rocket. Photograph: Harry Weir
Frazzled pepperoni with halloumi, gnocchi and chopped rocket. Photograph: Harry Weir
Serves: 4
Course: Main Course
Cooking Time: 0 hr 45 mins

Ingredients

  • 100g (or so) packet of sliced salami
  • 1 yellow pepper
  • 1 x 200g packet halloumi cheese
  • 4tbs olive oil
  • 1 clove of garlic, peeled and sliced
  • Pinch of chilli flakes
  • 1 x 500g packet gnocchi
  • A handful of rocket, chopped
  • Salt and plenty of black pepper
  • A drizzle of balsamic vinegar
  • A generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan

1 Shred the salami and cut the pepper into 1cm dice.

2 Cut the halloumi the same size, then heat the olive oil in a large frying pan and add all three to the pan over a medium heat.

3 Cook for 15 minutes, adding the garlic and chilli halfway through, stirring periodically, to ensure the garlic doesn’t burn. The mixture needs to be deeply coloured and charred around the edges but not burnt.

4 Cook the gnocchi as per packet instructions, drain and add to the mixture along with half a cup of the cooking water.

5 Fold in the chopped rocket, allowing it to wilt.

6 Season and serve in warm bowls with the balsamic vinegar and the Parmesan sprinkled on top.

Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn

Paul Flynn is a chef, restaurateur and contributor to The Irish Times. He and his wife, Máire, run the Tannery restaurant and cookery school in Dungarvan, Co Waterford