Welcome to the world of easy and delightful cooking! Today, I’m thrilled to share my simple and delicious pea recipes side dishes that are perfect for beginners. If you’re looking for a quick and tasty way to elevate your meals, this sautéed peas recipe is just what you need. With just a handful of ingredients and about 15 minutes of your time, you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with just about anything. Trust me, these peas will bring a burst of color and freshness to your table, making even the simplest meals feel special. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients List

For this scrumptious sautéed peas side dish, you’ll need just a few fresh ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas: Fresh peas bring a sweeter flavor, but frozen ones work wonders too and save time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: This will be your base for sautéing, adding a lovely richness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip this!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to bring a subtle warmth to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This brightens up the flavors, making them pop with freshness.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint: Adds a refreshing twist that complements the peas beautifully.

Gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started on this easy and delicious pea side dish! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delightful addition to your meal in no time.

Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil

First things first, grab a medium-sized pan and place it over medium heat. Add your tablespoon of olive oil and let it warm up for about a minute. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil shimmers slightly but isn’t smoking. This is the perfect temperature to sauté those peas!

Step 2: Sauté the Peas

Once the oil is heated, toss in your peas! Sauté them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to see them turn a beautiful bright green and become tender, yet still slightly crisp. That’s the sweet spot for perfect sautéed peas!

Step 3: Season the Peas

Now it’s time to season! Sprinkle in your teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the peas evenly. If you like a little extra kick, feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice

Next, remove the pan from the heat and squeeze in your tablespoon of lemon juice. This step is key! The lemon juice brightens up the flavors and gives the peas a zesty touch. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in every bite!

Step 5: Mix in Fresh Mint

Finally, fold in the chopped fresh mint. This herb adds a refreshing twist that complements the peas perfectly. Just gently mix it in so you can enjoy those lovely minty notes without overpowering the sweet pea flavor. And voilà, your sautéed peas are ready to serve!

Nutritional Information Section

Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this delightful sautéed peas side dish, making it easy for you to keep track of what you’re enjoying:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Fat: 5g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg

These numbers are just estimates, but they give you a good idea of the nutrition in this tasty side dish. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something both delicious and wholesome!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sautéed peas side dish is not just a quick and easy addition to your meals; it’s packed with flavor and nutrition! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick Preparation: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
• Fresh Flavors: The combination of peas, lemon juice, and mint creates a burst of freshness that brightens any plate.
• Healthy Goodness: Rich in fiber and protein, this dish is a nutritious way to enhance your meals.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of main dishes, from grilled meats to hearty vegetarian options.

Trust me, you’ll want to make this dish again and again!

Tips for Success

Here are some handy tips to make sure your sautéed peas turn out perfectly every time! First, if you’re using frozen peas, don’t worry about thawing them beforehand; just toss them straight into the pan! This saves time and keeps them vibrant. Second, keep an eye on the sautéing time; overcooking can make the peas mushy. You want them tender but still with a nice bite. Also, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to match your preferences. And lastly, don’t skip the fresh mint—it’s a game changer that adds a lovely freshness. Happy cooking!

Variations

There are so many fun ways to switch up this sautéed peas recipe! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. You could also mix in some minced garlic while sautéing the peas for an extra layer of flavor. Herbs like dill or basil can replace mint, giving the dish a unique twist. For a heartier option, toss in some cooked bacon or pancetta right before serving for a savory crunch. And if you love cheese, try sprinkling some crumbled feta or parmesan on top before serving—yum! The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative!

Serving Suggestions

This sautéed peas side dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas to inspire your next meal:

• Grilled Chicken: The fresh flavors of the peas complement the smoky taste of grilled chicken perfectly.
• Salmon: Serve alongside a nicely seared salmon fillet for a beautiful, balanced plate.
• Pasta Dishes: Toss it in with pasta for a pop of color and nutrition—great with pesto or olive oil sauces!
• Vegetarian Options: Pair it with hearty grain bowls or vegetable stir-fries for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
• Rice or Quinoa: A scoop of sautéed peas on top of seasoned rice or quinoa adds a delightful touch!

No matter what you choose, this dish will add a vibrant burst of flavor and color to your table!

For more information on the health benefits of peas, you can check out this Healthline article.

Pea Recipes Side Dishes: 5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Peas!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A simple and delicious pea side dish recipe perfect for beginners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add peas and sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in salt and pepper.
4. Remove from heat and add lemon juice.
5. Mix in chopped mint before serving.

Notes

• Use fresh peas for a sweeter taste.
• Frozen peas work well and save time.
• Adjust seasoning to your preference.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pea recipes side dishes