Broad Bean and Pea Mash

Rarely do I get excited about a new vegetable dish, but this one has been such a hit that I can't help but get a little tingle of excitment when I make it.

Something The Fussy Eater will eat that's green and good for her!

The recipe is based on a broad bean dip recipe that I saw in one of the many food magazines that come to Fussy Farm. I can't remember which one and I haven't actually followed it exactly. I've cut out the garlic because neither of the Darlings would eat it, and kept the onion to a minimum.

Sorry this is not a proper recipe but this is basically what I do.

If you have fresh broad beans and peas, then go for gold. If not, use the frozen sort. You will also need a food processor (or Thermomix) to make this.

Thaw a bag of frozen broad beans (approximately 2 cups worth) and the same amount of peas. Peel off the tough outer shell of the beans and discard.

Chop half an onion as finely as you can by hand or in your food processor.

If you have a Thermomix, then chop the half onion in half then put it in the bowl for 5 sec on Speed 5.

Then add your skinless broad beans and peas to the onion, along with about 1/4 cup of olive oil or grape seed oil. Add salt, pepper and I found corriander to be lovely, but any fresh herb you like would do. (Dill was lovely too.)

Blend this mixture to a chunky consistency. It's actually nicer than if you let it go to mush. I gave it 5-6 sec on Speed 5 in the Thermomix.

I then scooped it into a heat proof bowl and gave it a zap in the microwave to heat it up. I try not to use the microwave, but it's easier than taking the skins off hot beans that were boiled. I suppose I should try pouring boiling water over the shelled beans and peas just before putting them into the processor (minus the water). Next time.

Serve the bean/pea mash with just a tiny bit of butter and fingers crossed your fussy eater will like it.

Then - what makes this dish so great - I use the leftovers the next night to make bean/pea fritters! I simply added about one handful of grated cheese to about 2 cups of leftover bean/pea mash and then fried spoonfuls in a non-stick pan. It held together beautifully without having to add an egg or flour, but you could try that too if you wanted.

I topped my fritter with a small amount of sour cream and it was divine. For some reason The Fussy Eater hates sour cream. No idea why?

I didn't get a photo of the fritters, but trust me they were yum.