Serves 2

When the pea season starts, there are still earthy-flavoured Jersey Royal new potatoes in the shops, so it's good to make the most of them in one dish. This is an easy-going recipe: the bacon can be back or streaky, smoked or unsmoked. Use as many potatoes as you think you'll eat. A few skinned broad beans would be worth throwing in if you have them. The resultant melange, sweet and earthy and salty, makes a light supper on its own or with some cheese or fish.

2 or 3 rashers of bacon, chopped

1 tbsp oil or butter

small new potatoes (enough for 2)

mint sprigs

1 teacupful of water

1 teacupful of podded new peas a few lettuce leaves, shredded

1. Fry the bacon lightly in the butter or oil.

2. Add the potatoes and fry for a couple more minutes before adding the mint and water.

3. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, adding the peas and lettuce about five minutes before the end of cooking time.