The aroma of perfectly seasoned Thanksgiving peas wafts through the air, mingling with the scent of roasted turkey and sweet cranberry sauce. perfect Thanksgiving appetizer This dish, a vibrant green delight, brings a burst of color and flavor to your holiday table, enticing everyone to dive in. tender cranberry chicken festive cheese ball recipe.
Picture this: you gather around the table with family and friends, laughter echoing as you serve up these scrumptious peas. They’re not just a side; they’re a cherished part of your holiday tradition, evoking memories of warmth and togetherness that make Thanksgiving truly special.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Thanksgiving peas are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy holiday kitchens
- Their vibrant green color adds visual appeal to your spread, enticing even the pickiest eaters
- With a delightful blend of flavors, they complement any main dish beautifully
- Plus, they can be easily customized with herbs or spices to suit your taste
I still remember the first time I served these Thanksgiving peas at our family gathering; my cousin declared them the star of the meal! For more inspiration, check out this creamy vegetable soup recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Green Peas: Look for bright green peas for optimal sweetness and flavor; frozen works too if fresh isn’t available. For more inspiration, check out this country ranch green beans recipe.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter to control saltiness; it enriches the peas beautifully.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a wonderful aromatic essence that elevates the dish.
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Onion: A finely chopped onion brings sweetness; sauté until translucent for maximum flavor.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this simple yet delicious dish.
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Lemon Zest: Just a pinch brightens up the flavors remarkably; use fresh lemons for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an exciting culinary adventure as we whip up these Thanksgiving peas!
Sautéing Aromatics: Begin by heating a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Peas: Toss in your fresh or frozen peas into the skillet. Stir gently to coat them in buttery goodness while heating through—approximately 5 minutes will do!
Seasoning Time: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the pea mixture based on your taste preference. Remember, seasoning is key to bringing out those beautiful flavors you love!
Add Lemon Zest: Grate some lemon zest directly into the skillet for an immediate brightening effect. Stir well and let it cook for another minute—your kitchen will smell divine!
Serve Warm!: Transfer your vibrant Thanksgiving peas to a serving bowl. You want them warm when serving so everyone can enjoy their fresh flavor.
These easy-to-make Thanksgiving peas are not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor that pairs wonderfully with your favorite holiday dishes. Enjoy every vibrant bite!
You Must Know
- Thanksgiving peas are not just a side dish; they can become the star of your table
- Their vibrant color and subtle sweetness can elevate any meal
- Plus, they’re easy to prepare and can be customized to suit any palate
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by blanching the peas before sautéing them with butter and garlic for maximum flavor and texture. This ensures they retain their bright green color while developing a delicious taste.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to mix in some crispy bacon or fresh herbs like mint for an extra flavor punch. Adding a splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the dish!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Thanksgiving peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a touch of butter to keep them tender.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Thanksgiving peas shine, always opt for fresh or frozen peas over canned ones
- Cooking them briefly preserves their crispness and vibrant color
- Don’t forget to season well; a pinch of salt enhances their natural sweetness wonderfully
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without my aunt’s famous peas! One year, she accidentally spilled some on her shirt while serving, and we still laugh about it today as we devour those delicious little gems. creative butternut squash recipes.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peas work beautifully and save time during preparation.
How do I enhance the flavor of my Thanksgiving peas?
Add garlic, lemon zest, or even bacon for a savory twist on traditional flavors.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep everything but cooking; just store ingredients separately until serving time.

Thanksgiving Peas
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- Author: Hellen
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Thanksgiving wouldn’t be complete without a vibrant, flavorful side dish like these Thanksgiving peas. This simple yet delicious recipe combines fresh green peas with aromatic garlic, sweet onion, and a hint of lemon zest, making them the perfect accompaniment to your holiday feast. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, these peas will impress your guests while evoking warm memories of holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green peas (or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes).
- Stir in fresh or frozen peas and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Grate lemon zest into the skillet and stir for an additional minute.
- Serve warm in a bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (75g)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg