Mint Peas

Simple minted peas in white serving bowl with spoon.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: people

Calories: 148kcal

Author: Platings and Pairings

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-simple side dish? Try this Mint Peas recipe! Sweet green peas are upgraded with butter, savory aromatics, fresh mint, and zesty lemon to give you a vibrant dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.

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Equipment

Large Skillet

Ingredients

3 Tablespoons butter divided
3 green onions thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 1/2 pounds frozen peas or fresh, 24 ounces
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh mint finely chopped
2 teaspoons lemon zest

Instructions

In a large skillet, melt 1 TBSP butter over medium-low heat. Add the green onions and garlic and saute about 3 minutes.
Add the peas, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until peas are tender and heated through, about 5 minutes.
Add the fresh mint, lemon zest, and remaining 2 TBSP butter. Heat until the butter is creamy, about 1 minute longer. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste. Enjoy!

Notes

Storing and reheating

Store the leftover minted peas in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the peas in a skillet over low heat with a small knob of butter or a splash of water to keep them moist.

Tips and Tricks

Cook the peas just until they are tender and heated through to maintain their bright color and firm texture.
When zesting the lemon, only grate the yellow part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Feel free to squeeze some lemon juice into the dish at the end for added brightness.
Serve your peas while they’re still fresh and hot for the best flavors and textures!

Variations

Add bacon – Sauté bacon bits until crispy, then use the rendered fat instead of butter to cook the green onions and garlic. Stir the bacon back in with the peas for a deliciously smoky flavor.
Add cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the peas for a salty, tangy boost. Or, crumble some feta cheese on top just before serving.
Add spring vegetables – Finely diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, asparagus tips, or snap peas would all add an extra pop of color and sweetness. Sauté these vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding the peas and mint.
Fresh herbs and spices – Toss in fresh parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, or chives to complement the fresh elements in this dish.
Add wine – After sautéing the onion and garlic, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Nutrition