RECIPE MAGIC!

FRENCH SWEET PEAS

Plump, sweet peas, from the freezer, have no business tasting this good. Pulled into a silky cream sauce that thickens and clings and coats every single one, they arrive at the table transformed — tender, rich, deeply savoury from a whisper of ham, with a buttery depth that lingers. This is French cooking without the French kitchen, luxury without the labour, and a side dish so quietly heavenly it will make people wonder what you did to a bag of frozen peas.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 tbsp Butter EVOO
  • 1 tbsp Garlic EVOO
  • 1/4 small white onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup cooked ham, cubed same size as peas
  • 1/2 tsp salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 cups frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream
  • Gremolata EVOO for finishing drizzle

DIRECTIONS

Heat EVOOs in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion and sauté until soft, about 2 minute. Add the ham, salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes. Add the peas and reduce heat to low, cover and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the cream and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens around the peas. Salt to taste. Drizzle with Gremolata EVOO and serve immediately.