Method

Makes 1 cup of pesto

Here is a bright green, tasty and easy alternative to Guacamole. It is particularly useful because it can be made at the last minute, from ingredients which you are likely to have on hand!

To make this you need a food processor, blender or a "wand". Whiz together the peas and the roughly chopped clove of garlic until very finely chopped.

Roughly chop the white part and 8 -10cm of the lower green leaves of the spring onion(s) after removing the roots. Add the chopped spring onion to the pea mixture and puree until smooth. Add the lemon juice or vinegar, the grated cheese and half the oil and puree until mixture looks paler and smooth. Add the remaining oil, salt, and chilli to taste and puree again. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.

The mixture will become a little thinner as the peas thaw, but you can thin it straight away with (about) a tablespoon of water if you like.

Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to several hours. Serve with your favourite dippers or on baked kumara, over new potatoes, or as a sauce with other cooked vegetables etc. It's also delicious used as a spread on bread or toast.

From 'Easy Everyday Recipes for the Whole Family', by Simon and Alison Holst