Samphire and Petits Pois Mash with Cannellini Ratatouille
Description
Research shows us that in order to have a robust and diverse microbiome we need to eat a wide variety of (plant) foods. In this dish we use samphire, which is a very salty plant grown on coastlines. As it is so high in sodium, it's not one to eat too often, however, good samphire is delicious with a succulent crunch. The petits pois help to increase the protein profile of the dish and add a touch of sweetness.Ratatouille contrasts well with the mash, being tangy and full-flavoured. We find that it always takes longer to cook to perfection than anticipated - but it's worth the wait. Don't be tempted to rush in before it has had a good amount of time in the oven. You could also do this whole dish on the hob instead - you'll just need to be nearby and stir regularly.
Ingredients
- 1 medium to large potato per person
- 1 pack samphire (80-100g) chopped into 1cm long pieces (approx!). Remove any woody stems and discard.
- Half a cup of petits pois
- 3 courgettes
- 2 red peppers
- 2 red onions
- 4 cloves garlic - skin on
- 1 aubergine
- 1 cup passata or a can of chopped tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp herbes de Provence
- 1 can cannellini beans
Directions
- Preheat the oven to gas mark 4
- Prepare the ratatouille by chopping all of the veg into equal size pieces (except the garlic which you leave whole). Place in a dish along with the herbs/seasoning and tomatoes/passata and cover with a lid or foil. Place in oven.
- Peel the potatoes (or leave peel on if you prefer skin pieces in your mash) and cut into equal size pieces.
- Boil the potatoes in a saucepan of water for about 15 minutes until soft. Drain and mash.
- Boil the petits pois and samphire for 5 minutes and add to mash. Keep it in a warm place with a lid on until the ratatouille is ready or put in a muffin tin and place in the oven to form mash 'balls' with crispy edges.
- When the ratatouille is just about ready, add the cannellini beans and stir in. Put back in the oven for a further 5 minutes.