PEPPER MINT OIL RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving 2 tablespoons of the pasta water. The reserved pasta water will help create the sauce. Do not rinse pasta with water -- you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will stick.
• Heat the olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute until light brown and fragrant. It's important not to burn the garlic or else it will become bitter. Remove and discard the browned garlic. Add the red pepper flakes and saute for 1 minute. Carefully add the pasta and toss to coat in the flavored oil. Add the reserved pasta water and cook, stirring, to create a sauce, 1 minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat and top with the fresh herbs.

Steps:

• 1. Add the peas to a cold pan. Put the small bunch of mint on top of the peas, then boil the kettle. Pour just enough boiling water over the peas and mint to cover them, then put the pan on a high heat with a lid on. Bring back to the boil and cook until the peas are just perfect and tender – this should only be a couple of minutes. Immediately drain in a colander, then place the peas and mint into a salad-type bowl. Sprinkle with a little sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and a good squeeze of lemon juice or a swig of good-quality red or white wine vinegar. Cover the peas and mint with the olive oil (it’s important to use the best you can get, as the better the quality, the better the dish) and mix around. Put to one side for half an hour, after which the flavours will really have started to develop.
  2. There are so many things you can serve these peas with: from grilled fish to bruschetta or crostini, roasted or grilled lamb cutlets or pork, or served next to a hearty roast chicken. It’s always exciting to see lovely green peas under golden green oil.