© Original recipe by The Culinary Delight ©
🎉🌱 Easy Thanksgiving Peas: The Perfect Holiday Vegetable Dish! 🥗🍽️
1. Introduction
When it comes to enhancing your Thanksgiving side dish menu, nothing beats a simple yet flavorful vegetable dish that everyone will enjoy. Easy Thanksgiving Peas is a festive pea recipe that adds a pop of vibrant color and fresh flavor to your holiday table. Its sweet, tender peas are perfectly complemented by aromatic herbs and a hint of butter, making it an irresistible addition that is both easy to make and crowd-pleasing.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy holiday prep schedules.
- One-pot wonder—minimal cleanup after your flavorful feast.
- Versatile—can be served as a classic side or jazzed up with your favorite seasonings.
- Healthy & colorful—a nutritious vegetable option that brightens any Thanksgiving plate.
3. Ingredient Notes
The key to making truly delicious Thanksgiving side dish peas is selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Fresh peas have a sweet, crisp bite that frozen peas can’t quite match, but high-quality frozen peas also work well if fresh aren’t in season. Use unsalted butter for a rich, creamy flavor that brings out the sweetness of the peas, and fresh herbs like dill or mint add a refreshing, aromatic touch. For a little protein boost, include crispy bacon bits or toasted almonds—both add delightful texture and depth.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To prepare this festive pea recipe efficiently, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. A Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics is perfect for quickly crisping bacon or roasting nuts to enhance your dish. For versatile cookware, the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set provides durable, nonstick surfaces ideal for sautéing and simmering. These tools help elevate your cooking experience and ensure perfect results every time.
5. How to Make Easy Thanksgiving Peas
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Start by blanching the peas in boiling salted water for about 2-3 minutes until they’re bright green and tender. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and lock in their vibrant color. You’ll notice a fresh aroma and a crisp texture after this step.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, melt a generous dollop of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds to 1 minute. The aroma of garlic will fill your kitchen, heightening anticipation.
Step 3: Combine & Season
Add the cooled peas to the skillet and toss gently to coat them with butter and aromatics. Season with freshly chopped dill or mint, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. For extra texture, sprinkle toasted almonds or crumble crispy bacon on top. Serve immediately for maximum freshness, with the flavors intensified by the aromatic herbs and bright citrus.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the peas—aim for bright green and slightly crisp to retain maximum flavor and texture.
- Fresh herbs like dill or mint make a big difference—use them generously for an aromatic boost.
- If using frozen peas, thaw slightly before adding to avoid excess moisture diluting flavors.
- For a creamy twist, stir in a spoonful of crème fraîche or sour cream just before serving.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you need to tailor this dish for dietary needs, consider the following options:
- Vegan version: Use olive oil instead of butter and skip bacon, replacing with toasted nuts or seeds.
- Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free, perfect for any allergy considerations.
- Added protein: Mix in cooked shrimp or diced ham for extra richness.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a small pat of butter or a splash of lemon juice to refresh flavors. These peas are best enjoyed fresh but reheated with care to maintain their vibrant color.
9. FAQ
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can blanch the peas and prepare the aromatics in advance. Assemble just before serving to keep the peas bright and fresh.
What are the best herbs to flavor peas?
Fresh dill, mint, and parsley add wonderful aroma and freshness. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best to freshly prepare this dish as freezing can alter the texture of the peas, but leftovers stored properly in an airtight container will last up to 2 days in the fridge.
10. Conclusion
Easy Thanksgiving Peas is a vibrant, tasty, and foolproof side dish perfect for celebrating the holiday. Its fresh flavors and quick preparation make it an ideal addition to your festive feast. Whether served simply with butter and herbs or dressed up with nuts and bacon, this dish promises to please every palate while adding a touch of color and freshness to your holiday table. Celebrate with confidence knowing you’ve created a beautiful, delicious vegetable side that everyone will love!
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Easy Thanksgiving Peas
A simple, delicious side dish of tender green peas infused with herbs and butter, perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen green peas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in peas and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with chopped herbs before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh peas for the best flavor, but frozen peas work well and are more convenient.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs to your preference for a custom flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Sauté
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 110 Kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg