Green peas French style (Petits pois à la française)

1. Peel the pearl onions and cut the butterhead lettuce into thin strips.

2. Melt half the butter in a saucepan and soften the pearl onions for a few minutes (without letting them brown).

3. Add the peas and lettuce strips, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and season with salt and pepper.

4. Pour in a little water, just enough to help the braising.

5. Cover and braise over low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the peas are tender and the lettuce has wilted.

6. Off the heat, stir in the remaining butter, scatter with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tip: Petits pois à la française is a favourite of French home cooking – the lettuce and butter give the peas a silky, sweetish coat. It works beautifully with fresh or frozen peas.