Vegetarian mains
Pea Shoot, Courgette and Whipped Feta Toasts with Burnt Lemon
You can treat this recipe as a posh open sandwich or a starter. The pea shoots are the first delicate stalks of a pea plant. More than just a garnish, they are sweet and succulent with a definite pea flavour.
Ingredients
- 2 courgettes
- olive oil
- 150g feta
- 100ml yoghurt
- 1 lemon
- ½ tbsp light brown sugar
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 40g pea shoots
- small handful of mint - chopped
- small handful of parsley - chopped
- pinch of sumac
Method
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Step 1
Use a peeler to pull the courgette into long ribbons, stopping when you reach the soft core. You can use them raw or lightly griddle them; whichever you prefer. Season them well and dress with a little olive oil. Keep to one side.
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Step 2
Mix the feta and yoghurt with 2 tbsp of olive oil. Beat together with a fork until smooth and spreadable.
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Step 3
Halve the lemon and sprinkle the sugar on the cut sides. Rub it in with you thumb until dissolved. Heat a frying pan over a high heat. Press the lemons into the pan, cut-side down. Cook for 1-2 mins until the surface has become caramelized and lightly burnt. The pan may smoke a bit, so be aware of ventilation in your kitchen.
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Step 4
Toast or griddle the bread. Pile on the courgettes and whipped feta. Top with a generous pile of pea shoots. Garnish with the fresh herbs, a pinch of sumac and a squeeze of burnt lemon juice.