In season until late July, fresh peas and beans add colour, flavour and texture to any summer dish. Here’s the lowdown… 

Get your greens in with these speedy and tasty recipes that embrace the humble (and seasonal) bean...<h2>Mangetout</h2>The word ‘mangetout&rsquo; comes from the French for ‘eat all&rsquo;. As the name suggests, this sweet, crisp vegetable is eaten pod and all &ndash; the peas inside are tiny. It should only be cooked very briefly to retain its bite. Recipe inspirationMangetout is a great choice for Asian dishes. 1. In a hurry? Steam for 2 mins then drizzle with French dressing for an easy and elegant side dish.2. <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/sticky-grilled-ginger-chicken-with-carrot-salad" target="_blank">Make a chicken salad pop with sliced mangetout. </a><img alt="sticky-grilled-ginger-chicken-with-carrot-salad__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/sticky-grilled-ginger-chicken-with-carrot-salad__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Broad Beans </h2>Rich and creamy, broad beans can be eaten hot or cold. Remove from the tough outer pod, then steam or boil for 3 mins. Eat as is, or ‘double-pod&rsquo; &ndash; pop each bean out of its skin for a more tender texture and bright green colour.Recipe inspiration1. Double-pod broad beans and mix with ricotta, fresh mint and a little lemon juice for a summery bruschetta topping.2. Try this <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/spring-veg-chicken-pasta-broth-with-parsnip-crisps" target="_blank">Italian-style broth</a> &ndash; a meal in a bowl bursting with fresh flavours. <img alt="spring_veg_chicken_broth__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/spring_veg_chicken_broth__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>French Beans </h2>Also known as green or string beans, these long, thin legumes have a firm texture and a fresh flavour. Trim the pointed ends, then cook, pods and all, whole or cut into shorter lengths. For maximum crunch, steam for 2-3 mins.Recipe inspiration1.  Serve with chopped hazelnuts and a squeeze of orange. Or add bite to a curry by throwing some beans in at the last minute.2. This aromatic, <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/article/lebanese-style-french-beans" target="_blank">easy-to-cook side dish </a>is inspired by Middle Eastern cuisine.<img alt="lebanese_style_beans__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/lebanese_style_beans__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Garden Peas</h2>Versatile and sweet with a thin shell and soft, firm texture, it&rsquo;s no wonder garden peas are a family favourite. Pop seasonal fresh peas from the pod, then boil or steam for 2-3 mins. Or pick frozen peas as a delicious and convenient year-round alternative.Recipe inspiration1. Steam and add to a salad &ndash; great with a lemon dressing; mix into salmon fishcakes; or crush slightly to top toasted flatbreads.     2. The humble pea goes gourmet in <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/watercress-soup" target="_blank">this vibrant soup</a> &ndash; the perfect starter. <img alt="watercress-soup__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/watercress-soup__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Sugarsnap Peas </h2>Sugarsnap by name and sweet by nature, these are eaten unpodded, either whole or sliced, and are equally delicious raw or lightly cooked. Why not throw a handful or two into your lunchbox to nibble on as an easy way towards your 5-a-day.Recipe inspiration1. Slice finely and add to a classic coleslaw &ndash; great served with sticky ribs.2. Tuck into our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/lamb-pepper-and-red-onion-stir-fry" target="_blank">quick-to-cook stir-fry</a> &ndash; the fresh sweetness of sugarsnaps contrasts with rich, tender lamb and smoky peppers.<img alt="lamb,-pepper-and-red-onion-korean-cumin-stir-fry__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/lamb,-pepper-and-red-onion-korean-cumin-stir-fry__square_GL?scl=1"><h2>Runner Beans </h2>Long and flat, these have a firm texture and an exceptionally fresh flavour. The pods and the beans are eaten &ndash; before cooking, trim the ends and remove the tough ‘strings&rsquo; that run down the sides. Slice lengthways, or cut across into pieces, then boil or steam for 4-5 mins.Recipe inspiration1. Serve steamed, with a handful of pine nuts and a twist of lemon, or with a knob of shallot butter. 2. Cooked runners cut into chunks make our <a href="https://www.asda.com/good-living/recipe/mac-and-cheese-with-chicken-and-leeks" target="_blank">next-level mac &rsquo;n&rsquo; cheese</a> even more incredible!<img alt="mac_and_cheese_with_chicken_and_leeks__square" class="ci-image ci-square" src="https://ui3.assets-asda.com/dm/mac_and_cheese_with_chicken_and_leeks__square_GL?scl=1">If you fancy trying any of these recipes, stock up on what you need at <a href="https://groceries.asda.com" target="_blank">Asda</a> or <a href="http://storelocator.asda.com/#!/" target="_blank">pop into your local store</a>.

How to cook with 'in season' peas and beans

By ASDA Admin,5th June 2017

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