Samphire and Petits Pois Mash with Cannellini Ratatouille

author:Susannah White
Dinner
90Mins
4people
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
  1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 4
  2. 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.  
  3. Peel the potatoes (or leave peel on if you prefer skin pieces in your mash) and cut into equal size pieces.
  4. Boil the potatoes in a saucepan of water for about 15 minutes until soft.  Drain and mash.
  5. 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.  
  6. When the ratatouille is just about ready, add the cannellini beans and stir in.  Put back in the oven for a further 5 minutes.

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