Lamb with peas and broad beans, caponata and vignarola: Conor Gadd’s recipes for Italian-style spring vegetables

Chef Conor Gadd has shared detailed recipes for three seasonal spring dishes—lamb with peas and broad beans, caponata, and vignarola—aimed at home cooks looking to celebrate fresh, local ingredients.

Conor Gadd, chef and owner of London restaurants Burro and Trullo, has released recipes that highlight springtime ingredients such as peas, broad beans, wild garlic, artichokes, and fresh herbs. The recipes include a slow-roasted lamb shoulder marinated in buttermilk, lemon, garlic, and rosemary, served with boiled peas and broad beans. Also included is a Sicilian-style caponata, a sweet and tangy eggplant stew with pine nuts, olives, and tomatoes, and a Roman vignarola, a vegetable stew combining broad beans, peas, artichokes, and chard, flavored with herbs and lemon zest.

Gadd’s lamb recipe involves marinating the shoulder overnight in a mixture of buttermilk, lemon zest, garlic, and rosemary, then roasting it for nearly four hours, basting regularly. The vegetables are cooked in the roasting juices for added flavor. The caponata is prepared by gently frying pine nuts, sweating onions and garlic, then adding peppers, olives, tomatoes, and grilled aubergines, finished with herbs and vinegar. The vignarola combines broad beans, peas, artichokes, and chard, cooked in a flavorful broth made from pea pods, lemon peel, and herbs, finished with pecorino and fresh herbs.

Why It Matters

This development matters because it provides home cooks with accessible, seasonal recipes that celebrate the flavors of spring, encouraging local ingredient use and culinary creativity. It also highlights Gadd’s approach to simple, flavorful dishes rooted in traditional Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, making sophisticated dishes approachable.

Background

Spring is a peak time for fresh produce like peas, broad beans, and artichokes, which chefs like Gadd emphasize in their seasonal menus. Gadd’s recipes reflect a broader trend of celebrating seasonal ingredients in contemporary cooking, aligning with increased interest in sustainable and local food sourcing. These recipes are part of Gadd’s ongoing efforts to share accessible, ingredient-driven dishes with a wider audience.

“Spring is the most exciting time for a chef, and these recipes showcase the best of what the season offers, from lamb to fresh vegetables.”

— Conor Gadd

“The recipes are designed to highlight the natural flavors of spring produce, making them perfect for celebrating the season at home.”

— Gadd’s spokesperson

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear how widely these recipes will be adopted by home cooks or if Gadd plans to publish more seasonal dishes in the future. Details about any upcoming publications or culinary events are still emerging.

What’s Next

Next steps include Gadd promoting these recipes through his restaurants and social media, potentially releasing a dedicated spring recipe collection or hosting cooking demonstrations. Further updates on his culinary plans are expected in the coming months.

Key Questions

Are these recipes suitable for beginner cooks?

Yes, the recipes are designed to be accessible, with clear instructions suitable for home cooks of varying skill levels.

Can these dishes be adapted for dietary restrictions?

Most of the recipes can be modified; for example, lamb can be replaced with other meats or plant-based alternatives, and ingredients can be adjusted for allergies or preferences.

Where can I find more recipes from Conor Gadd?

Additional recipes and cooking tips are available through Gadd’s restaurants, social media channels, and upcoming publications.