Spring Peas with New Potatoes, Herbs and Watercress

• FAST
• HEALTHY
• VEGETARIAN

Ingredients

1. 1 quart water
2. 1/2 pound small new potatoes
3. Salt
4. 4 cups shelled early spring peas or two 10-ounce packages frozen baby peas
5. 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
6. 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
7. 1 medium leek, white and tender green parts only, thinly sliced crosswise
8. 2 tablespoons chopped mint
9. 2 tablespoons chopped chives
10. 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
11. Freshly ground pepper
12. 2 medium bunches of watercress, large stems discarded and leaves coarsely chopped (2 cups)

1. Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the potatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook over moderately high heat until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a plate and let cool, then halve or quarter any large potatoes.
2. Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the potato water and bring to a boil. Add the peas and cook over moderately high heat until tender, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, melt the butter in the olive oil. Add the leek and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the potato cooking water, then drain the peas and add them to the skillet.
3. Add the potatoes and the reserved cooking water to the skillet and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring. Add the mint, chives and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the watercress. Transfer the vegetables to a warmed bowl and serve.