Quick and Simple Sautéed Italian Peas and Onions
Forget boring frozen peas as a side and make these Italian peas with onions. They’re easy to make with only a few ingredients and taste very sweet. A perfect side dish that takes only 15 minutes to make.
Recipe Overview
Skill Level:
BEGINNER
Prep Time:
5 MINUTES
Cook Time:
10 MINUTES
What Makes This Recipe Great
A quick and easy recipe with minimal ingredients.
A new way to enjoy peas as a side dish.
Traditional Italian recipe straight from our Nonnas kitchen.
Before I discovered this recipe, peas were simply steamed and served. Slightly boring, but did the job as a vegetable side dish.
You’ll be surprised what adding an onion and a little seasoning does for frozen peas. I find it makes them sweeter, brings out the flavour, and makes them disappear from the table much quicker than before.
Ready in only 15 minutes, you can serve them up with a roast dinner or with any other meal when you want something green on the dinner table.
Check Out More Side Recipes:
Marmite Roast Potatoes – A crispy crunch roast potato with fresh rosemary and Marmite.
Italian Broccoli – Another simple Italian side dish, twice cooked Broccoli.
Pesto Roasted Root Vegetables – A simple side dish taken to new heights with the addition of basil pesto.
Equipment Needed:
- Large Frying Pan: Choose one big enough to accommodate the peas without crowding them too much.
- Sharp Knife and Chopping Board: For peeling and finely chopping the onion.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: To stir the peas and mix in the butter.
Ingredients:
- Olive Oil: Use a mild cooking olive oil for this recipe.
- Onion: We are using a red onion as it is sweeter, but you can also use a white or brown onion or even a shallot.
- Frozen Peas: For simplicity, we are using frozen garden peas, but you can also choose fresh peas if you wish.
- Butter: Since we are adding in our own seasoning, use unsalted butter.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Our seasoning to bring out the flavours.
Substitutions and Additions:
Wondering if you can substitute or add an ingredient? Here, I will tell you if that’s possible.
Substitutions
- Olive Oil → Another Oil – You can use an alternative oil such as vegetable oil or sunflower oil.
- Onion → Shallots or Leeks – Shallots add a slightly milder sweetness, while leeks provide a more delicate onion flavour.
- Frozen Peas → Fresh Peas – If using fresh peas, extend the cooking time slightly until tender.
Additions
- Garlic – Finely minced garlic can be sautéed with the onion.
- Lemon Zest or Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish.
- Pancetta – A meaty version of this dish uses cubed pancetta in the pan, fry it with the onion until crispy before adding the peas.
Step-By-Step Guide – How To Make Italian Peas and Onions
Frequently Asked Questions
The peas are done when they are tender and slightly wrinkled, and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
Yes, adding a little boiling water helps to soften the peas and ensures they cook evenly without drying out.
Yes, if you prefer, you can use extra olive oil or another fat, or simply omit the butter for a lighter option.
Mastering This Recipe – Expert Tips
- Monitor the water level: Keep an eye on the amount of water in the pan as the peas cook. You don’t want them swimming in liquid, but a little extra water can help them cook evenly and prevent burning.
- Sauté the onion until soft: Make sure the onion is softened and translucent before adding the peas. This will bring out its natural sweetness and prevent any raw onion flavour.
Storage
- Storing: Cooked Italian Peas and Onions can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before storing.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to help loosen it up. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish. Freezing can change the texture of the cooked peas, causing them to become mushy when reheated.
Italian Peas with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Olive Oil
- 1 Small Onion
- 350 g Frozen Peas
- 20 g Butter
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper , to taste
- Boiling Water
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Peel and finely chop the onion. Add it to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
- Add the frozen peas to the pan and stir to combine, allowing them to warm through.
- Add enough boiling water to the pan to cover the peas halfway. Stir to mix.
- Cook the peas over medium heat, adding more water as necessary until the water is absorbed and the peas have softened and become slightly wrinkled. This will take about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir through the butter until melted and well incorporated.
- Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Add some cubed pancetta for a richer dish.
- You can use fresh peas but they will take a little longer to cook.
- Store once cooled in the fridge for up to 2 days, I don’t recommend freezing the cooked peas.
My kids love these peas, they really do taste quite different when I prepare them this way.