FRENCH GARDEN PEAS
This classic French recipe never gets old. Peas are cooked in a delicious quartet of butter, onions, lettuce and bacon. 
You might be surprised to hear that the French use frozen peas in home cooking without a second thought. Even from a bag, they still have that fresh minty flavor without the labor of shelling hundreds of peas. This classic French recipe never gets old. Peas are cooked in a delicious quartet of butter, onions, lettuce (yes, you read that right) and bacon. Leave out the bacon and add boiled carrots or turnips for the vegetarian option.
INGREDIENTS
Serves: 4
1–2 handfuls of butter lettuce
1 tbsp coarse salt
800 g (1¾ lb) frozen peas
2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra to finish (optional)
100 g (3.5 oz) sliced shallots
100 g (3.5 oz) smoked bacon, cut into thin strips or cubes
1 tsp sugar
Salt and pepper to season
MISE EN PLACE
Wash the lettuce and roll the leaves into cigar shapes before slicing them finely (this is called a chiffonade).
Method
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and add the salt and the peas. Cook the peas just until the water returns to the boil, then immediately drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside while you prepare the garnish.
In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and bacon and cook, stirring regularly, for 3 minutes. Mix in the lettuce, sugar and peas and season well. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the peas are glossy, giving them a little stir from time to time. For extra indulgence, stir in a dab of butter just before serving.