Mind fuel: frozen peas and beans

This is a personal take on useful ingredients if you’re trying to eat to help your mood

Why peas and broad beans?

Because they’re pulses. The Mental Health Foundation keeps its guidance on what to eat pretty straight-forward... “Eat fewer high sugar foods and more wholegrain cereals, nuts, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables."

I’m pretty good at eating most of those things, but not the beans and lentils. I have red lentils and butter beans in the cupboard but they tend to stay there. The difference with frozen peas and broad beans is that I actually use them. Here are three ways to eat them...

Broad bean hummus

If you have frozen broad beans, oil (olive or rapeseed) and a lemon, you can make broad bean hummus. You will also need a hand blender or another food processor. I normally use this Nigel Slater recipe, but I only cook the beans for 4-5 minutes, I don’t take off their skins  and I don't add the dill. You can also make this hummus with frozen peas but it is quite sweet.

Pea or broad bean frittata

Feta works really well with peas and beans. The salty, savoury yet sour flavour of the cheese sets off the delicate sweetness of the vegetables. This frittata is also good cold, so you could save some and eat the leftovers for breakfast the next morning. You can add extra vegetables and fresh herbs to the mix if you like.

Ingredients

2 eggs, 35g feta, 50g frozen peas or broad beans, cooking oil (olive, rapeseed or sunflower)

Method

Put the peas or beans in a heat-proof container and pour over boiling water from the kettle. Leave for 2 to 3 minutes to thaw. Then drain. Crack the eggs into a bowl and crumble the feta on top. Whisk with a fork until well-combined. Turn on the grill to heat up.

Put a frying pan over a medium heat and add the oil. Once it’s hot, pour in the egg mixture. Scatter the peas or beans over the top. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown underneath. Then put the pan under the hot grill until it’s golden brown on top. Eat with toast.

 

Pimping your dinner

I know this is obvious, but frozen peas and beans can be added to a meal almost literally at the last minute. If my dinner’s nearly ready and it is light on veg, I put a handful in with the pasta, rice, or potatoes. Or throw them straight in with the sauce, curry or stew. Bring the pan back to the boil, boil for a minute or two and it’s ready.