Pasta With Fresh Herbs, Lemon and Peas

If you don't grow your own herbs, I suggest that you buy a bunch of parsley along with basil or chives to keep on hand in your refrigerator. The herbs will keep for a week if properly stored.

Produce departments often use misters, a practice that drives me crazy because leafy greens don't keep well once wet. So when you get home, spin the herbs in salad spinner if they're wet, wrap them in a paper towel and then bag them.

1/2 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, tarragon, mint and chives
Zest of 1 organic lemon, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Salt to taste
3/4 pound pasta, any type
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan or pecorino

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Meanwhile, in a large bowl or pasta bowl, combine the herbs, lemon zest, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil.
2. When the water comes to a boil, salt generously and add the pasta. Follow the cooking instructions on the package, but check the pasta a minute before the indicated time. A few minutes before the pasta is done, add the peas to the water. When the pasta is just about al dente, remove a half cup of the cooking water and add to the bowl with the herbs. Drain the pasta and peas, toss with the herb mixture and the cheese, and serve.

Yield: Serves four.

Advance preparation: The herbs can be chopped several hours ahead, but don't combine the ingredients until you've put the water on for the pasta.

Nutritional information per serving: 460 calories; 13 grams fat; 2 grams saturated fat; 4 milligrams cholesterol; 70 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams dietary fiber; 123 milligrams sodium (does not include salt added during preparation); 15 grams protein