Peas, artichokes and mint

Serves 4

Peas, artichokes and mint make a luxurious starter or side dish (Jason Lowe)

Last year I discovered some frozen prepared artichoke bottoms in my local Middle Eastern supermarket. I must say they are a great product and seem unaffected by the freezing process. I'm all for finding convenience foods that you can serve with no effort and no one knows the difference. Frozen peas are one of my favourites, as well as these artichokes, and combined they make a luxurious starter or side dish, or even part of a mixture of starters.

4 frozen globe artichoke bottoms, defrosted, quartered

150g frozen peas or petit pois, defrosted
50g butter
A handful of mint leaves, torn
A handful of pea shoots (optional), washed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Put the artichokes in a pan with a good pinch of salt and simmer for 3-4 minutes, then add the peas and simmer for another minute; drain.

Return to the pan, add the butter and mint (and pea shoots, if using), season and just reheat for a minute and serve.