Minty pea and broad bean humous – just finished & I have to admit I’ve already eaten some! Yummy 😍

Ingredients:

300g peas (fresh or frozen)

300g broad beans (I’ve used the ones straight from the garden! But if you’re not growing them they’re in season so in most shops & farm / driveway stalls at the moment. Out of season or in a hurry then just use frozen)

15-20 large mint leaves finely chopped (again if you’ve not got it growing then I’d use the frozen pre chopped stuff)

3 tbsp lemon juice (or 1 lemon, if you’re using fresh add the zest in too as it makes it extra tasty)

2 cloves garlic finely chopped

4-5 tbsp olive oil (you could use vegetable if that’s all you have in as very similar nutritional profile, just a different taste)

Method: 

Gently fry the garlic in 1-2 tbsp oil to soften but not colour. This allows the garlic flavour to infuse the oil. Ideally allow to cool (I don’t if I’m short on time!)

Boil the peas and beans for 3 or 4 minutes. 

Take the jackets off the broad beans by splitting down the side. If you leave the jackets on you’ll get a more bitter taste. 

Whizz everything together. 

Enjoy with vegetable sticks, on toast, in sandwiches or however you’d usually use humous. 

I split this batch into 3 and have frozen two portions. 

I didn’t add any seasoning but if you like a little black pepper would go well. 
Fresh from the garden:

The cosy broad bean pods:

The beautiful colours of broad beans:

Let the whizzing commence:

Top tip: if you’re trying to manage your waistline reduce the oil content and freeze in portions. This stops you over eating it & keeps it well with less oil (oil acts as a preservative). 

Get growing:

If you don’t grow any herbs at the moment then I’d suggest thinking about growing mint. It looks after itself and comes back every year. You can get several varieties too. The only thing to keep in mind is that it spreads! You can use it in so much. A great way to make boiled potatoes more exciting, delicious with lamb dishes, great in water jugs & amazing in cocktails (not for the kids!). 

Broad beans are also easy to grow & great for children as the pods are fun to pop open – soft inside and easy to get the beans out. 

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