Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish
A vibrant and flavorful peas side dish, perfect for Thanksgiving, that can be customized to suit any palate.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas Use fresh peas when available; otherwise, frozen peas work well.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Can be substituted with olive oil for dairy-free option.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon sugar (optional) Can be omitted for low-calorie version.
- ¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth Vegetable broth for vegan version.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice Freshly squeezed for best flavor.
- ¼ cup diced cooked bacon (optional) Omit for a vegetarian version.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by prepping your fresh ingredients. If using fresh peas, pod them and rinse under cold water. For frozen peas, leave them aside for later.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they become translucent and soft.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it doesn't burn.
- Add the prepared peas to the skillet along with the salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
- Pour the broth into the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the peas cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- If using bacon, stir in the diced cooked bacon now.
- Transfer the pea mixture to a serving bowl, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve.
Notes
To enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or balsamic vinegar. For creaminess, stir in a little crème fraîche before serving. Toasted pine nuts can add nutty flavor and texture.