Traditional guacamole is a delicious Mexican dip made from avocados. The trouble is, it’s so delicious that the world’s gone mad for the stuff. It’s all very well if you live in
 a hot climate with avocados growing up the road, but most avocados travel thousands of miles to arrive on our tables. NOT very eco-friendly.

BUT did you know that seasonal peas or beans make a lush guacamole, too, for a much more locally grown and sustainable snack (or you could just raid the freezer…)?

Method:

Put the peas or beans in a saucepan and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Set over a medium heat and cook at just a gentle bubble for 2–3 minutes. 

Strain your greens through a sieve and cool them under cold running water. 

Transfer the peas/beans to a blender or food processor along with the garlic, olive oil, water, lime juice and most of the spring onions and whizz until you have a smooth-ish purée. 

Tip into a bowl and add the rest of the spring onions and half of the chilli. Chop the coriander stalks really finely and add to the purée along with most of the leaves. Season with salt and black pepper and give your guac’ a good stir. 

Taste. Add more chilli, lime juice or salt and pepper, if you think you need more zip or zing. Garnish with the rest of the coriander leaves. 

Traditional Guacamole

Up to 320 litres/ 70 gallons of water is needed to grow just 1 avocado – that’s the same as about 30 minutes in the shower! 

For that once-in-a-while treat: just substitute the cooked peas or beans in the recipe with the flesh from 2 ripe avocados and mix in with the rest of the ingredients.