Hot Buttered Peas With Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, And Garlic

Elevate your pea game with Hot Buttered Peas with Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, and Garlic. This exquisite side dish takes the humble frozen peas to a whole new level by infusing them with the rich flavors of prosciutto, toasted pine nuts, and fragrant garlic. Tossed in butter and enhanced with the freshness of parsley and lemon, this dish is a burst of taste and texture that will impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or as a flavorful accompaniment to a weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to make a lasting impression.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound (about 3 cups) frozen peas
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 3 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, cut into thin ribbons
• ½ cup pine nuts
• 2 medium cloves garlic, minced or grated on a Microplane (about 2 teaspoons)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Thaw and Warm the Peas

1. Place the frozen peas in a colander and run them under hot water until they are fully thawed and warmed. This should take about 4 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Prosciutto and Pine Nuts

1. In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
2. Add the thinly sliced prosciutto to the saucepan and cook, stirring frequently, until it just begins to crisp up. This should take about 3 minutes.
3. Next, add the pine nuts to the prosciutto and cook, stirring constantly, until the pine nuts are lightly toasted. This should take about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter

1. Stir in the minced or grated garlic to the prosciutto and pine nuts, cooking for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant.
2. Add the thawed peas and unsalted butter to the saucepan, tossing everything together to coat the peas in the flavorful mixture.
3. Cook the peas, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. This process should take about 2 minutes, allowing the butter to create a luscious glaze on the peas.

Step 4: Incorporate Parsley, Lemon Zest, and Juice

1. Stir in the finely chopped fresh parsley, grated lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. These ingredients will add a burst of freshness and brightness to the dish.

Step 5: Season and Serve

1. Season the Hot Buttered Peas with Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, and Garlic with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preferences.
2. Your delectable hot buttered peas are now ready to be served.
3. Transfer the peas to a serving dish, and for an elegant presentation, garnish with some extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lemon zest.
4. These flavorful and buttery peas make a delightful side dish for various main courses, such as roasted chicken, seared fish, or grilled pork.

Enjoy the enticing blend of flavors in this Hot Buttered Peas with Prosciutto, Pine Nuts, and Garlic recipe. The combination of sweet peas, savory prosciutto, nutty pine nuts, and fragrant garlic comes together harmoniously, complemented by the freshness of parsley and lemon. This side dish is sure to add a touch of gourmet flair to any meal and leave your guests craving for more.