Description
Minted peas are a simple and fresh side dish made with tender peas cooked gently with shallots, fresh mint, and butter. This quick recipe brings vibrant flavors and a lovely aroma, perfect for complementing a variety of meals. Ideal as a light, healthy accompaniment, it can be prepared in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 shallots (or 1/2 medium sweet onion)
- 2 cups frozen peas (or fresh peas, see notes)
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped (from about 2 stems)
Others
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp water (approximately)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shallots and mint: Peel the shallots and cut them into quarters. Then finely slice them for even cooking. Finely chop the mint leaves, ensuring to remove any thicker veins for a smoother texture.
- Melt butter and cook shallots: Place a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and melt the butter. Once melted and hot, add the sliced shallots. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and opaque, allowing for slight browning which adds flavor.
- Add peas, mint, and steam: Mix in the peas and chopped mint with the cooked shallots. Add the water and cover the pan with a lid. Let the peas defrost and steam for about a minute. Then reduce the heat slightly to gently cook them through.
- Reduce liquid and season: After a couple of minutes of steaming, remove the lid and allow any excess liquid to evaporate. Season the peas with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a little more fresh mint or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness before serving.
Notes
- This cooking method preserves the delicate flavors and texture of the peas, yielding a fresh, light side dish.
- For fresh peas, adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender but not mushy.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to enhance the minty freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 135 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 281 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
