‘Peas and beans are such versatile vegetables – and we have so many more varieties in store than you might realise! Although they’re available fresh all year round from overseas suppliers, in the summer we source them from British farmers wherever possible. My favourites are newly shelled peas as they’re so sweet and tender. I sprinkle them with a little salt and just steam them for one or two minutes, or three minutes if they’re a bit older. I’m a big fan of broad beans, too – the shelled beans are great in pasta dishes for added texture. Damon Johnson, Head of Produce Quality
Minty pea dip Boil fresh or frozen peas for 3-5mins. Drain and put in a bowl with a knob of butter. Add crème fraîche and chopped mint, season, then mash well. Serve with slices of toast or cruditiés.
RUNNER BEANS Garlic & shallot runner beans Trim the ends of runner beans and slice diagonally into 1cm pieces. Heat a little oil and butter in a frying pan and add crushed garlic and a chopped shallot. Cook until soft. Add the beans and cook gently for 5mins. Season and serve.
A handful of Tip chopped herbs can really perk up a side dish of peas or beans. Try thyme with broad beans, coriander with sugarsnaps or tarragon with green beans. 28 | ASDA.COM/MAGAZINE | JUNE 2014
Asian-style carrot & mangetout salad
When you’re using mangetout and green beans in salads, cook them in boiling water for 3 secs then dunk in cold water – this softens the raw texture and helps keep the colour.
Tip
Trim the tops and tails of a handful of mangetout. Put in a pan of boiling, lightly salted water and cook for 30secs. Drain, rinse under cold water then drain again. Put in a bowl, add a grated carrot and a fnely chopped, deseeded chilli. Toss the salad. Make a dressing of 3 parts oil to 1 part white wine vinegar. Add a little crushed garlic and grated ginger. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds.
TAKE A SHORTCUT In a rush? Save time with our brilliant frozen beans and peas or fresh pre-prepared range – just boil, steam or microwave.
Asda Sliced beans, £1 (200g; 50p/100g); Podded Peas, £1 (150g; 67p/100g); Traditional Cut Beans, £1 (160g; 63p/100g)
WORDS, RECIPES AND FOOD STYLING: GREGOR MCMASTER. PHOTOGRAPHS: STUART OVENDEN. STYLING: LINDA BERLIN
PEAS
MANGETOUT