Fresh and Flavorful Sauteed Garlic Peas Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of fresh peas
  • 1 tablespoon of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pepper
  • 2 tablespoons of finely chopped mint
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add fresh peas to the boiling water and cook for about 2 minutes until they are bright green and tender.
  3. Drain the peas and return them to the pot.
  4. Add butter, salt, and pepper to the peas and stir until the butter is melted and the peas are well coated.
  5. Add the chopped mint and lemon juice to the peas. Stir well to combine.
  6. Serve the peas as a side dish while they are still warm.

Tools for making

  • Pot - A pot is needed to boil the peas.
  • Colander - A colander is used to drain the cooked peas.
  • Spoon - A spoon is used to stir the peas and mix in the ingredients.

Recipe variations

  • Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a savory twist.
  • Replace butter with olive oil for a healthier alternative.
  • Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the peas for added richness.
  • Add roasted garlic for a flavorful kick.
  • Top the peas with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
  • Mix in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tanginess.
  • Include diced tomatoes to create a refreshing pea and tomato salad.
  • Combine peas with cooked pasta and a creamy sauce for a main dish.
  • Mix in roasted red peppers for a vibrant color and sweet taste.

Recipe overview

This simple yet flavorful peas recipe is a great way to incorporate fresh vegetables into your meals. With just a few ingredients like butter, salt, pepper, chopped mint, and a splash of lemon juice, you can transform plain peas into a vibrant and tasty side dish. The recipe involves boiling peas until they're tender, then tossing them with butter, spices, and herbs. The result is a bowl of bright green peas with a buttery, minty taste that's elevated by a tangy hint of lemon. It's a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in under 15 minutes and pairs well with a variety of main dishes. Enjoy the natural sweetness of peas enhanced with a lovely blend of flavors.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas? Yes, you can use frozen peas as a substitute for fresh peas in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
  2. Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint? While fresh mint is recommended for this recipe, you can use dried mint if fresh mint is not available. However, the flavor may be slightly different.
  3. Can I add other seasonings or herbs to the peas? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings or herbs according to your taste preferences. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, or dill.
  4. Can I make this dish in advance? It is best to serve the peas immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. However, if you need to make them in advance, you can prepare them and reheat them gently before serving.
  5. Are these peas suitable for freezing? While these peas are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them if needed. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A bowl to mix the peas and other ingredients together.
  • Pot - To boil the peas in.
  • Colander - Used to drain the cooked peas.
  • Spatula - To stir the peas and coat them with butter and seasonings.
  • Knife - For chopping the mint.
  • Cutting Board - To provide a surface for chopping the mint.
  • Citrus Juicer - Optional, but helpful for extracting lemon juice.

Origin stories

Peas have been a staple in the human diet for centuries, dating back to the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Interestingly, they were primarily consumed dried and ground into flour, not fresh like we commonly enjoy them today. It wasn't until the 16th century that eating fresh green peas became popular in Europe, particularly in France. It's said that French horticulturist Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, gardener to King Louis XIV, introduced the concept of eating peas "green", as in freshly shelled from the pod, which was a novelty at the time. This started a culinary trend among French nobility, and "pea madness" took hold in the 17th century, with the fashionable elites competing to eat peas as early in the season as possible. Today, we continue to relish these little green gems for their sweet taste and nutritional benefits.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.