Broad Bean, Pea and Mint Salad

Broad beans and peas are a real summer vegetable, the rest of the year we have to settle for a poor substitute of frozen ones if we really insist on eating them. Podding broad beans can often seem tedious but I find it very relaxing sitting in the garden podding these little gems. This dish makes a tasty accompaniment to barbecued meat and fish or serve it as a pasta sauce.

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4 - 6 Portions
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Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes

Ingredients

Beans

  • 200g podded peas (400g in their pods)
  • 150g podded broad beans, skinned* (600g in their pods)
  • 3 ripe plum tomatoes, diced
  • 5 tbsp shredded mint leaves
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 1 tsp caster sugar
  • Zest & juice 1/2 lime
  • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • maldon salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

  1. Beans: In a saucepan of boiling water place the prepared broad beans and simmer for 2 minutes then add the peas, and cook for a further 1 minute. Remove the beans from the saucepan and refresh in cold water.
  2. Place the peas and broad beans in a salad bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients and toss together until well combined. Leave to stand for 10 minutes before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • To shell and skin broad beans: Split the pods down the sides and push out the beans with your finger. Place the beans in a bowl and pour over boiling water and leave for a couple of minutes, then refresh in cold water. Split the grey skin with your finger or a little knife and push out the green bean.