3 ways with ... Peas

Peas stirred through penne and prawns. The Aucklander

Pasta perfect
Frozen peas are perfect year round. For a fast dinner, stir peas, chopped ham or fried pancetta or bacon through cooked pasta (penne or bows are good); stir through a beaten egg with cream, ricotta or plenty of grated parmesan cheese. Add salmon or prawns for a richer dish.

Soup kitchen
For a fast Sunday dinner when the pantry is bare, simmer frozen peas in chicken stock with mint, whizz with a stick blender and serve with a dollop of quark or sour cream and croutons. A dash of lemon juice adds zing.

Winter salads
Stir peas through your regular potato, macaroni or rice salad with a dash of paprika in the dressing; crumbled feta or blue cheese is an unexpected pairing.