Potato gnocchi are filling and satisfying in winter, and fluffy ricotta gnocchi are pleasant in summer, so it follows that these gnocchi are the perfect dish to bridge the two extremes. Served in a bright, fresh-tasting sauce, it is truly a taste of spring.

Serves 6

Pepper Coulis:

• ¹⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1 cup diced onion
• 2¹⁄2 cups diced red bell pepper
• ³⁄4 cup dry white wine
• 2 springs fresh thyme
• 2 springs fresh oregano
• salt & pepper

Goat Cheese Gnocchi:

• 4 oz fresh goat cheese, at room temperature
• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 3 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
• 2 Tbsp finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1 Tbsp finely grated lemon zest
• 2 eggs, separated
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¹⁄2 tsp salt

For pepper coulis, heat a saucepot over medium heat and add oil. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add peppers and sauté 3 minutes more. Add wine, thyme and oregano and simmer, covered, until peppers are tender (about 10 minutes). Remove from heat and puree until smooth. Strain, season and set aside.

For gnocchi, beat goat cheese and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in green onion, parsley, lemon zest and egg yolks until smooth. Fold in flour. Whip whites with salt to soft peaks and fold into goat cheese mixture in 2 additions.

Bring 4 L water to a boil and salt generously. Cut dough into 2 pieces. Roll out first piece into a log shape about 3/4 inch in diameter and cut into 1/2 inch pieces. Place on a floured tray and repeat with the second piece of dough. Drop gnocchi into water and simmer until they float (about 3 minutes). Gently remove with a slotted spoon and set on a plate.

To serve, heat pepper coulis and spoon into a flat-bottomed bowl. Gently place warm gnocchi on top and serve.