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To make delicious Thanksgiving herbed peas, gather these simple items: - 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 lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish) When choosing peas, fresh is often best, but frozen peas can work well too. - Fresh Peas: Look for bright green pods that feel firm. The peas inside should be plump. - Frozen Peas: Check the package for no ice crystals. This means they stayed fresh. Frozen peas can save time and still taste great. They are picked at peak ripeness. You can add extra flavor to your herbed peas. Consider these options: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. - A splash of white wine for depth. - A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness. Feel free to get creative! Adjust flavors to match your taste and style. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 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 lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon (for garnish) Make sure to chop the onion finely. This helps it cook evenly. Mince the garlic to release its flavor. If you use fresh peas, rinse them well. If you use frozen, no need to thaw them. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter. Let it melt until it bubbles. Then, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 4-5 minutes. You want it to turn translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. You will smell the garlic. Now, it’s time to add the peas. Stir the peas into the skillet. If using fresh peas, cook for about 5-7 minutes. For frozen peas, cook until they are heated through. After that, sprinkle in the fresh thyme and rosemary. Stir well to mix the herbs. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Finally, drizzle the lemon juice over the peas. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with lemon zest. This adds a bright flavor and a nice touch. Transfer the herbed peas to a serving dish. Make sure to spread them out evenly. The bright green color looks great on the table. For a finishing touch, you can add a few extra thyme leaves on top. This makes the dish look inviting. Serve it warm alongside your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Enjoy! To make your Thanksgiving herbed peas pop, use fresh herbs. Fresh thyme and rosemary add bright notes. You can also try adding a splash of white wine while cooking. This gives depth to the flavor. For a zesty kick, mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t forget the lemon zest! It adds a fresh burst at the end. If you’re short on time, use frozen peas. They cook quickly and taste great! Chop your onion and garlic ahead of time. You can store them in the fridge for a day. Try using a microwave to soften the peas before adding them to the skillet. This speeds up cooking time. One mistake is overcooking the peas. They should stay bright green and tender. Avoid adding salt too early, as it can make them tough. Lastly, don’t skip the lemon juice; it balances the dish and brightens the flavors. Remember, simple steps lead to tasty results! Pro Tips Use Fresh Peas: Fresh peas have a sweeter flavor and a vibrant color that enhances the dish. If possible, choose them over frozen for the best taste. Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill or parsley for a unique twist. Each herb brings its own flavor profile to the dish. Adjusting Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your palate for optimal flavor. Make Ahead: You can prepare the peas in advance and reheat them just before serving. This saves time during the busy Thanksgiving meal preparation. {{image_2}} You can switch up the herbs for your Thanksgiving herbed peas. If you like something different, try using fresh basil or dill. These herbs add a unique twist. You can also use parsley for a fresh taste. For a hint of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Each change brings new flavors to your dish. Mixing in other veggies can make your peas even better. Carrots add sweetness and color. Chop them small and cook them with the onions. You can also use bell peppers for a crunchy texture. Green beans or corn can work well too. These additions make the dish more colorful and nutritious. If you want to make this dish vegan, swap butter for olive oil. This keeps it tasty and dairy-free. For gluten-free eaters, this recipe is already safe. Just check your seasonings to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also reduce salt for low-sodium diets. This way, everyone at your table can enjoy the peas! To keep your leftover herbed peas fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the peas cool down first. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. When you are ready to eat the leftover peas, reheat them on the stove. Use a small skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Stir often until they are warm. You can also microwave them. Just cover the bowl and heat for one to two minutes. If you want to freeze your herbed peas, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw the peas in the fridge overnight. Then reheat as before. Yes, you can make Thanksgiving Herbed Peas ahead of time. Prepare the dish and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When you are ready to serve, simply reheat it in a skillet. Add a splash of lemon juice to freshen the flavor. Herb-seasoned peas pair well with many dishes. They complement roast turkey and chicken perfectly. You can serve them alongside mashed potatoes or stuffing. They also go great with grilled fish or a hearty salad. The bright flavors of the peas balance rich main dishes. Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh. Use one-third the amount of dried herbs. Dried herbs are more potent, so you need less. If the recipe calls for one teaspoon of fresh thyme, use just one-third teaspoon of dried thyme. However, fresh herbs give a brighter taste, so I recommend using them when possible. In this blog post, we covered key points about cooking herbed peas. We explored ingredients, preparation steps, cooking methods, and ways to enhance flavor. I shared tips on selecting fresh peas, storage methods, and common mistakes to avoid. You learned how to adapt this dish for dietary needs and pair it well with other meals. Embrace creativity in your cooking and enjoy the flavors of this simple dish. Your next meal can be tasty and fun with these tips!

Thanksgiving Herbed Peas

A delightful side dish featuring fresh or frozen peas, enhanced with herbs and lemon for a festive touch.
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 lemon juice
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 zest of 1 lemon (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
  • Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
  • Add the peas to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes if using fresh peas, or until heated through if using frozen peas.
  • Sprinkle in the fresh thyme and rosemary, and stir to incorporate the herbs evenly throughout the peas.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture.
  • Remove from heat, and garnish the dish with lemon zest for a fresh pop of flavor.
  • Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy as a delightful side for your Thanksgiving feast!

Notes

Use fresh peas for the best flavor, but frozen peas work well too.
Keyword herbed, peas, side dish, Thanksgiving