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Mary Berry Summer peas and beans

Mary Berry Summer Peas and Beans Recipe

Young fava beans, peas, and green beans combine in a vibrant medley with varied textures, enhanced by butter and fresh mint that celebrate rather than mask the vegetables' natural flavors. This elegantly simple dish comes together in 15-20 minutes, delivering restaurant-quality results that feel unpretentious and genuinely delicious on any weeknight.
Prep Time 6 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: British
Calories: 110

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz 250g shelled fresh fava beans (young)
  • 8 oz 250g shelled peas (young)
  • 8 oz 250g green beans, halved
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint plus extra to garnish
  • Salt and black pepper

Method
 

  1. Begin by bringing a saucepan of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8oz (250g) of shelled fresh fava beans and cook for just a few minutes until they are just tender. This initial cooking time for the fava beans is pivotal, as they require slightly longer than the other vegetables to reach the perfect texture.
  2. Once the fava beans are nearly done, add the 8oz (250g) of shelled peas and the 8oz (250g) of halved green beans to the same pot, then continue cooking for another 5–10 minutes until all vegetables are tender. The exact timing will depend on how fresh your vegetables are; younger, fresher produce will cook more quickly than older vegetables.
  3. Once all the vegetables are cooked to your desired tenderness, carefully drain them in a colander to remove all the cooking water. Return the drained vegetables to the warm saucepan and add the 2 tbsp of butter and 2 tbsp of chopped fresh mint.
  4. Stir gently until the butter has completely melted and is evenly distributed throughout the vegetables, coating them in a light, glossy finish. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed to suit your preference.
  5. Serve the summer peas and beans hot while they retain their vibrant color and warmth. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with additional fresh mint to add both visual appeal and an aromatic finishing touch that enhances the delicate flavors of the seasonal vegetables.

Notes

Cooking Tips for Perfect Texture

Use fresh or properly thawed vegetables for the best results. If using frozen peas or beans, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture. Too much water can make the dish soft and dilute the flavor.
Cook peas and beans gently over medium heat. They only need a short cooking time to become tender. Overcooking causes them to lose their bright color and turn mushy. Aim for just-tender vegetables with a slight bite.
Add butter or seasoning at the end of cooking. This helps coat the vegetables evenly without breaking them down. Finishing the dish gently preserves both texture and natural sweetness.