Garlic Toasts with Green Peas & Lemon

Green peas and lemons are a match made in heaven. Give this springtime favourite a try.

• 7 slices of baguette, sliced on a bias
• 1 clove garlic, peeled and sliced in half (for rubbing on the toast)
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for brushing on the toast)
• 2 cups frozen green peas, blanched in a pot of hot salted water
• 1/3 cup freshly chopped parsley
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
• Chopped cherry tomatoes (to garnish)
• Extra-virgin olive oil (to garnish)
• Crushed red chili flakes (to garnish, optional)

Place your baguette slices under the broiler or on a hot grill, and toast them on both sides. While the toasts are still warm, give each slice a couple rubs of garlic (cut-side down), and brush each toast with a little olive oil.

In a food processor, place the blanched peas, chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Process until coarsely puréed. Taste, and adjust the salt and lemon to your liking. Spread the purée on your prepared toasts, and garnish with tomatoes, a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a hint of red chili flakes.