Pasta with Sausages & Crushed Peas

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Pasta with Sausages & Crushed Peas

When I was little frozen peas were my arch enemy. I just detested them – mostly for the texture but also a little with the flavour. These day’s I don’t mind a few peas but still get a little fearful of the frozen variety. The trick I’ve found is to avoid boiling them and to saute instead.

I LOVE this pasta. The sweet crushed peas make it feel healthy enough that you don’t need a salad as well and the sausages give it a lovely richness that is very satisfying.

enough for: 2
takes: 15 minutes
150-200g (5-7oz) short pasta
2 pork sausages
250g (1/2lb) frozen peas
1 bunch mint, leaves picked
1 large handful grated parmesan cheese + extra to serve

1. Bring a large saucepan salted water to the boil and cook pasta according to the packet directions.

2. Meanwhile heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan over a high heat. Remove sausage skins and crumble them into the pan. Cook stirring frequently until browned all over. Add peas and continue to cook, squashing down the peas to roughly crush them.

3. When the peas have warmed through toss through mint and remove from the heat.

4. Drain pasta and keep a cup of the cooking water aside. Toss pasta through the sausage mix with the Parmesan. If it looks a little dry add some of the cooking water.

5. Taste and season and serve with extra cheese passed separately.

Variations

vegetarian – replace sausages with a cup of cooked lentils or a large handful of sliced mushrooms. If using mushrooms will need to cook until browned and soft. You could also try replacing sausages with crumbled ricotta.

dairy-free – replace parmesan with almond meal or grated brazil nuts.

vegan – combine the vegetarian and dairy-free options.

gluten-free – replace pasta with a drained can of chickpeas or white beans. Just add these straight to the sauce at step 4.

short on time – use quick cooking pasta or the gluten-free option.

more veg – increase the amount of peas or serve with a green salad.

carb lovers / more substantial – extra pasta or serve with garlic bread.

paleo (grain, legume & dairy-free) – skip pasta and serve sausages and peas on a bed of baby spinach. Grated brazil nuts or almond meal instead of cheese. You could also serve roast veg or zucchini noodles to replace the pasta.

Waste Avoidance Strategy

pasta – keep in the pantry.

pork sausages – freeze them.

frozen peas – keep them in the freezer!

mint – best to use for another meal. Can be frozen but will wilt when defrosted.

parmesan cheese – will keep in a plastic bag or airtight container in the fridge for months. Can be frozen.