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- 4 cups fresh or frozen peas - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and black pepper, to taste - Zest of 1 lemon, for garnish Thanksgiving Herbed Peas need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with the peas. You can use fresh or frozen peas. Fresh peas taste great if you can find them. Next, butter adds rich flavor. Unsalted butter lets you control the salt level. Onions and garlic are key for depth. Use one small onion, finely chopped. Two minced garlic cloves pack a punch. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary elevate the dish. They bring bright, earthy flavors. You will need one teaspoon of each herb. Lemon juice adds a fresh twist. One tablespoon gives a zesty kick. Salt and black pepper balance the flavors. You can adjust these to your taste. Finally, lemon zest makes a lovely garnish. It adds color and a burst of citrus aroma. These ingredients create a light and tasty side. They work perfectly for any Thanksgiving feast. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by placing unsalted butter in a large skillet. Set the heat to medium. Watch the butter as it melts. You will see it foam up. This foaming stage is important. It shows that the butter is hot and ready for the next step. If it starts to brown, lower the heat. You want it melted, not burnt. Next, add finely chopped onion to the skillet. Stir it well to coat with butter. Sauté the onion for 4-5 minutes. You want it soft and clear, not brown. Keep stirring to avoid sticking. When the onion is ready, add minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. Garlic cooks fast and can burn easily, so stay alert! Now, it's time for the peas. If you use fresh peas, add them now and cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir often to ensure they cook evenly. If frozen, add them for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Stirring helps mix the flavors from the onion and garlic with the peas. After the peas are cooked, sprinkle fresh thyme and rosemary on top. Stir gently to mix the herbs throughout. This helps distribute the flavors evenly. Then, season with salt and black pepper. Finally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over the peas. This adds a bright taste that balances the dish. When done, remove the skillet from heat. Add lemon zest as the final touch. It gives a wonderful aroma and flavor. Transfer the herbed peas to a serving dish. For a beautiful presentation, keep the colors bright and fresh. Enjoy this vibrant side dish with your Thanksgiving meal! - Overcooking peas: Cook peas just until tender. Fresh peas take about 5-7 minutes. Frozen peas need only 3-4 minutes. Overcooked peas lose their bright color and crunch. - Burning garlic: Garlic cooks fast. Sauté it for just 1-2 minutes. If it turns brown, it tastes bitter. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. - Adding other herbs or spices: Consider fresh basil or parsley for a fresh twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat. Experiment to find your favorite mix! - Adjusting seasoning for taste: Taste your dish before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Small adjustments can make a big difference in flavor. - Ideal pairings for Thanksgiving: These herbed peas go well with turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Their fresh taste cuts through rich flavors. - Creative serving ideas: Serve in a colorful bowl and sprinkle extra lemon zest on top. You can also garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This adds charm to your Thanksgiving table! Pro Tips Fresh vs. Frozen Peas: Fresh peas tend to have a sweeter flavor and a vibrant color, while frozen peas are convenient and can be just as tasty. Choose based on availability and your cooking timeline. Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Adjusting Acidity: If you prefer a tangier flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or even a splash of white wine. This can elevate the dish and brighten the overall taste. Serving Suggestions: These herbed peas pair well with a variety of proteins such as roasted turkey, chicken, or even as a topping for pasta dishes, making them a versatile side dish for any meal. {{image_4}} You can switch out the herbs in this recipe for fresh ones. Try using fresh parsley, basil, or dill. These herbs can add a new twist to your dish. If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs work too. Use about one-third of the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, use one teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary. You can make your herbed peas more colorful and tasty by adding other vegetables. Consider adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or even corn. Just chop them small so they cook evenly. When adding vegetables, adjust your cooking time. Add them when you sauté the onion. This way, they will cook through before adding the peas. To make this recipe vegan, swap the butter for olive oil or coconut oil. Both will add rich flavor without using dairy. You can also use vegan butter if you prefer. It’s an easy change that keeps the dish tasty. Just remember to check labels for any hidden dairy ingredients. After your feast, store any leftover herbed peas in the fridge. Use an airtight container for best results. This keeps them fresh. They can last for about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Just make sure to cool them first before freezing. When it's time to enjoy your leftover peas, reheating is key. You can use a microwave or a skillet. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. This helps keep the peas moist. Heat on low, stirring often. For the microwave, cover the bowl with a lid or plate. Heat in short bursts, checking for warmth. This way, you keep their bright flavor and texture. If you decide to freeze herbed peas, start by cooling them completely. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you're ready to use them, take them out and thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also heat them directly from frozen. Just cook them a little longer to warm through. Fresh peas can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store them in a sealed bag or container to keep them fresh. Avoid washing them before storage; moisture can lead to spoilage. Use them quickly for the best flavor and texture. Yes, you can make Thanksgiving Herbed Peas ahead of time. Cook them as normal, then let them cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat them gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of lemon juice after reheating for a fresh taste. Thanksgiving Herbed Peas pair well with many dishes. Try them with roasted turkey or glazed ham. They also go great with mashed potatoes or stuffing. For a colorful plate, add some cranberry sauce or a salad. Mixing flavors makes your Thanksgiving meal even better! In this article, we explored the ingredients and steps for making herbed peas. You learned how to melt butter, sauté onions, and cook peas perfectly. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and enhance flavor. You can make adjustments for dietary needs, store leftovers, and find great ways to serve them. Remember, these herbed peas can elevate your meals and fit any occasion. Keep experimenting with flavors to create your own twist. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with others!

Thanksgiving Herbed Peas

A delightful and vibrant side dish featuring fresh or frozen peas, sautéed with herbs and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to foam up before adding the next ingredient.
  • Once the butter is melted, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté for approximately 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance—be careful not to let it burn.
  • Incorporate the peas into the skillet, mixing them well with the onion and garlic. If using fresh peas, allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often; if using frozen peas, cook until heated through, around 3-4 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the fresh thyme and finely chopped rosemary over the peas, stirring gently to ensure the herbs are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Season the dish with salt and black pepper to taste. Then, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the peas, adding a bright, tangy flavor to the dish.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, and finish the dish by garnishing it with the lemon zest, which adds an additional burst of freshness.
  • Transfer the herbed peas to a serving dish, and enjoy them as a delightful, vibrant side for your Thanksgiving feast!

Notes

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Keyword herbs, peas, side dish, Thanksgiving