Green Peas in Coconut Milk

Serves 4

* 1 kg (2 lb) peas in the pod or 500 g (1 lb) frozen peas
* 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
* 1/2 teaspoon cummin seeds
* 1 cup finely sliced spring onions
* 3 cups finely shredded outer leaves of lettuce
* 1/2 cup fresh mint or coriander leaves
* 1 cup canned coconut milk
* 1 teaspoon garam masala (see p. 2)
* salt and white pepper to taste

Shell peas or thaw frozen peas at room temperature, in the packet. Heat ghee in a heavy soucepan and throw in cummin seeds to fry for 30 seconds. Add spring onions, stir, cover and leave for a couple of minutes before adding lettuce and mint. Cover and steam for 5 minutes, then stir in coconut milk, peas, garam masala, salt and pepper. Cover and cook until the peas are tender. If fresh peas are mature and need long cooking you may have to add little water towards end of cooking, but frozen peas won't need extra liquid. Serve with rice.