This is a very quick and easy-to-prepare houmous made with frozen peas.  It is best eaten fresh and, unlike real houmous, it freezes very well. If anything, this houmous recipe is more versatile — try it with crispy fried onions as a jacket potato filling.

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

• 500g / 1lb 2oz frozen peas

• 2 tablespoons tahina

• Juice of 1-2 lemons

• 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2-3 garlic cloves, peeled

• 1 level teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, washed

• Salt and pepper to taste

To serve

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Pinch cayenne

Method

1. Bring the peas to the boil in a pan of water and cook for around 5 minutes, then drain and refresh under cold running water.

2. Pop them in the blender with the tahina, lemon, oil, garlic, cumin and parsley. Give it all a quick whizz — it will probably be far too stiff so add about 2 tablespoons of cold water to loosen it up.

3. Season it to taste and serve in a bowl with the olive oil and cayenne drizzled/sprinkled on top. Serve with toasted pita bread.