Minty Peas and Onions

Looking for a fresh, vibrant side dish that brings a burst of flavor to your meal? Minty Peas and Onions are here to steal the show! This delightful dish is a perfect balance of sweetness from the peas and the aromatic freshness of mint, with a bit of savory depth from the onions. It’s the kind of side that complements just about any main course, from grilled meats to hearty stews. Light, zesty, and oh-so-tasty, these minty peas and onions are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Minty Peas and Onions

• Bright and Refreshing: The mint adds a refreshing lift that pairs so well with the sweet peas and savory onions.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 20 minutes, this dish is a time-saver for busy nights when you still want something tasty and fresh.
• Versatile: Works with so many main dishes, from roasted chicken to a grilled steak, or even as a topping for rice.
• Light and Healthy: Full of flavor without being heavy, making it the perfect guilt-free side dish.

Ingredients

For the Minty Peas and Onions:

• Frozen peas: Sweet and tender, these peas make for a quick and easy base that cooks up beautifully.
• Yellow onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor and a bit of sweetness when sautéed.
• Fresh mint: A handful of fresh mint leaves adds a refreshing, aromatic note to the dish.
• Butter: For sautéing the onions and adding a rich, smooth texture to the peas.
• Olive oil: A little olive oil adds to the sauté and gives a bit of richness to balance the sweetness of the peas.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that help elevate all the flavors.
• Lemon zest (optional): For an extra pop of brightness to complement the minty peas.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

This dish is super easy to whip up, and it’s all about layering those fresh, vibrant flavors!

Step 1: Sauté the Onions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft and translucent. You want them to have a slight sweetness, but not caramelized.

Step 2: Cook the Peas

Add the frozen peas to the skillet and stir them with the onions. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the peas are heated through and slightly tender. You don’t want to overcook them—just enough to warm them up while still keeping their pop.

Step 3: Add the Mint

Once the peas are ready, stir in the fresh mint leaves. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just enough for the mint to soften and release its aromatic oils. If you like, you can add a bit of lemon zest here to add a zesty note to the dish.

Step 4: Season

Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust as needed—this is your chance to make it just right!

Step 5: Serve

Serve the minty peas and onions warm, with a sprinkle of extra fresh mint on top for garnish if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 130
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve Minty Peas and Onions

• With Grilled Meat: Pair these peas with grilled lamb, chicken, or beef. The freshness of the mint works wonderfully with smoky flavors.
• On a Bed of Rice: Serve them over a bed of fluffy rice to make the dish more substantial.
• As a Light Side: Perfect alongside a light fish dish or even a quinoa salad for a wholesome, balanced meal.
• With Pasta: Toss these peas with pasta for an easy, fresh addition to your favorite pasta dish.

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Peas: If you have access to fresh peas, feel free to use them instead of frozen for an even more vibrant flavor.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a little extra olive oil if you want a dairy-free version of this dish.
• Add Extra Herbs: Feel free to mix in other herbs like parsley or basil if you want to experiment with different flavors.
• Double It: This is an easy dish to make in bulk—just double or triple the recipe if you’re cooking for a crowd.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use dried mint instead of fresh mint?
A1: Fresh mint will provide the best flavor and aroma, but you can use dried mint in a pinch. Just use about half the amount called for in the recipe.

Q2: Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
A2: Yes! Frozen peas work perfectly fine for this dish. They cook quickly and still maintain their texture.

Q3: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A3: This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the onions and mint ahead of time. The peas should be cooked just before serving for the best texture.

Q4: What other vegetables can I add?
A4: You can add other veggies like sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or even green beans for a little extra variety.

Q5: Is this dish vegan?
A5: You can easily make this dish vegan by swapping the butter for olive oil and omitting any dairy.

Q6: How can I make this more filling?
A6: Serve this dish with a hearty protein like grilled chicken or fish to make it a complete meal.

Q7: Can I make this dish spicier?
A7: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions.

Q8: How should I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Q9: Can I add a touch of cheese?
A9: A sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese would add a nice creamy element to this dish!

Q10: What other herbs go well with this recipe?
A10: Along with mint, thyme, basil, and parsley all pair beautifully with the sweet peas and savory onions.

Conclusion

Minty Peas and Onions are a simple yet stunning side dish that adds brightness and freshness to any meal. They’re quick to make, and the combination of sweet peas, aromatic onions, and fresh mint will have everyone asking for the recipe. This dish is one of those that feels light and healthy while still delivering big on flavor—perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!

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