Braised Fennel with Peas

This saucy side dish is a lovely accompaniment to pan-fried chicken breasts or fish fillets or grilled chops or steaks. We drain the bacon fat and add vegetable oil to reduce saturated fat and cholesterol. However, for a smoky bacon flavour, you can always omit the oil and drain off all but 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the bacon fat.

Feta Green Pea Orzo

Green Pea Lemon Couscous

Curried Potatoes and Peas

Coarse-skinned, long, oval baking potatoes are starchy and absorb flavours well — perfect for this tasty dish.

Pea and Pepper Couscous

Pea and Pasta Soup

This is a light, brothlike soup that pairs perfectly with any hearty sandwich. If you can't find stellini — a tiny star-shaped pasta — use small tubes called tubetti, little grain-shaped orzo pasta or even broken spaghetti. And kids will certainly gobble this up if you use alphabet noodles.

Arancini with Bocconcini & Peas

Chick-Pea Salad

The flavours of an Italian antipasto platter — cheese, marinated artichokes and crisp vegetables — combine in this predinner salad. Serve in individual lettuce or radicchio cups. Use leftover artichokes in a pasta dish or dip.

Chick-pea Burgers

Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a tasty alternative to a meat burger, you'll love this grain and-legume burger.

Split Pea and Ham Soup

A ham bone lends smoky flavour to the soup. The tangy garnish adds a little zip. Or just sprinkle the soup with croutons.