Ingredient: Peas
Shelling peas from the pod is one of the first food jobs I remember helping my mum with as a child – and what fun it was to sneak as many as possible into my mouth! They taste their best when freshly shelled and eaten in their simplest form and they need little more than a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon to shine.
Tumbled straight into a hot pan with a little butter and a few torn mint leaves, peas transform into a celebration of all things green. Their sweetness works beautifully with the creamy richness of a risotto or the fluffiness of an omelette. Try them tossed raw into a salad with pea shoots, crisp radishes and a drizzle of olive oil or for a little more indulgence, purée them with cream or soft cheese, lemon, and a scattering of herbs to create a vibrant base for grilled fish or roasted chicken.
Peas are full of plant protein, vitamin C for immunity, vitamin K for strong bones, and fibre for digestion. Folate and iron offer energy, making them a tiny powerhouse in every sense.