Easy Side Dish: Potatoes and Peas

From Plotting for the Future: This easy side dish can be served with meat or fish. With the addition of cooked shrimp or shredded chicken, it can also become a whole meal.

1 quart new potatoes, well-scrubbed
2 cups fresh shelled peas
1/2 cup high-quality olive oil
1 teaspoon salt, plus more for cooking
1/2 teaspoons of black pepper
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley, chervil, or dill (optional)

1. Place the potatoes in a large pot of cold, well-salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the potatoes are still hard in the center but the outer layer is beginning to become tender. Add the peas and cook for about 5 minutes, until both the peas and the potatoes are barely tender.

2. Drain well. Place in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper and, if using, fresh herb. Toss well and serve immediately.

Yield: Serves 4 as a side dish, 2 as a meal.