Festive Thanksgiving Green Peas Side Dish Delight 🥗🦃✨
1. Introduction
When it comes to Thanksgiving peas side dish recipes, nothing beats a vibrant, flavorful, and easy-to-make holiday peas recipe that complements your main course perfectly. This festive green peas dish offers a delightful combination of freshness, seasonal herbs, and a hint of savory goodness, making it an ideal seasonal vegetable side for your holiday feast. Whether you’re a fan of classic flavors or looking to elevate your traditional menu, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that captures the spirit of the season.
2. Ingredients for the Holiday Peas Recipe
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh mint or basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Perfect Green Peas Side Dish
Preparation of the Peas
If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside. For frozen peas, simply thaw and drain any excess water.
Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Cooking the Green Peas
Add the prepared peas to the skillet and toss to coat with the aromatic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the peas are heated through and slightly caramelized.
Adding Lemon and Cheese
Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice for brightness. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the peas if using, and mix well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnishing and Serving
Garnish with fresh mint or basil leaves for a burst of herbal flavor. Serve hot or at room temperature alongside your Thanksgiving turkey or ham for a colorful, tasty festive green peas side dish.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Green Peas
To store leftovers, transfer the cooled peas into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For an added touch, sprinkle a little extra lemon juice or fresh herbs before serving again.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish
This holiday peas recipe pairs beautifully with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or vegetarian main courses. For extra flavor, serve with a side of cranberry sauce or stuffing. You can also incorporate this dish into a larger vegetable platter or color-themed plate to enhance your festive table setting.
6. Why This Festive Green Peas Recipe Stands Out
This seasonal vegetable side stands out for its simplicity, bright flavors, and ability to elevate a basic green peas dish into a gourmet accompaniment. Its vibrant color and fresh herbs make it visually appealing, while the lemon and Parmesan add layers of flavor that surprise and delight your guests.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use canned green peas for this recipe?
Yes, canned green peas work perfectly. Just drain and rinse them thoroughly before adding to the skillet. Keep in mind that they may cook faster and may be slightly softer.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative. Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute for a plant-based version.
How long does it take to prepare this green peas side dish?
The entire process takes approximately 15-20 minutes, making it an ideal quick holiday peas recipe for busy cooks.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to include sautéed carrots, green beans, or snap peas for more variety and color on your festive table.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: This versatile vegetable chopper speeds up prep work, making it easier to finely chop onions and garlic, saving you time in the kitchen.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for chilling drinks to complement your meal, or even preparing refreshing beverages for your guests.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Useful if you’d like to prepare additional side dishes or keep soups and stews warm during your feast.
9. Conclusion
Incorporating this Thanksgiving peas side dish into your holiday menu guarantees a colorful, flavorful, and effortless addition to your feast. Its bright, fresh profile makes it a perfect accompaniment for turkey, ham, or vegetarian dishes, adding a touch of elegance to your celebration. Try this festive green peas recipe this year for an unforgettable holiday experience and enjoy the compliments from your guests!
Print
Festive Thanksgiving Green Peas Side Dish Delight
A simple yet flavorful Thanksgiving peas side dish made with fresh green peas, butter, herbs, and a hint of garlic for a festive touch.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green peas
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or thyme)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the green peas for 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cooked peas to the skillet, stirring well. Squeeze in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until heated through. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute lemon juice with a splash of white wine vinegar for extra tang.
- For a vegan version, replace butter with olive oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg