Pea Sauce for Pasta or Gnocchi

With the weather turning and the nights drawing in I fancied something bright green, fresh tasting and spring like to keep the feeling of summer going just a little bit longer. So I came up with this pea puree to use as a sauce for pasta or gnocchi or even as a vegetable side dish. It is so quick and simple that is has become one of my quick go to supper dishes.  Plus I almost always have all the ingredients to hand.

Pea Sauce for Pasta (Serves 2-3)

Vegan, vegetarian, dairy free, gluten free

Ingredients
170g/6oz/1cup Frozen petit pois or peas
3tbs Olive or Hemp oil
1 Small clove of garlic, finely chopped
2tbs Lemon juice
Zest of 1/2 lemon, grated
Salt & black pepper to taste

Handful fresh basil

Method 

• In a pan heat 1 tbs of the oil with the garlic, salt, pepper and the peas and fry for a couple of minutes. 
• Next add a splash of water to the pan to simmer the peas in and cook for a few more minutes until the peas are tender. 
• Remove from the heat and add the remaining oil, basil, lemon zest and lemon juice and stir. 
• Allow to cool slightly and then blend until smooth, adding a splash more water to get the required sauce consitency if necessary. 
• Taste and add any additional salt, pepper or lemon juice as required. Serve immediately stirred into pasta or gnocchi.