Spring Peas with Prosciutto & Onions


Spring is finally here and walking through our property here in Michigan, green is popping up through the forest floor. In another couple of weeks, the trees will bud, and our backyard forest will move from dreary winter brown to vibrant green. My favorite part of spring is the local produce available, including asparagus, peas, artichokes, and fava beans.

Growing up, I thought all peas came in a can, and I never learned to appreciate this typical spring vegetable until I was an adult. Now that I understand just how sweet and flavorful, fresh spring peas are, I just cannot get enough of them when they are in season. Fresh peas barely need any time to cook, and in fact, are better in my mind if they are a little “al dente”.

Having a sweet, vibrant flavor, salty ingredients such as pancetta or prosciutto pair perfectly with peas. There just is something about this flavor combination that is delicious.

The first time I ever tasted peas prepared in this manner was at a Rome restaurant, where they served them along with roasted potatoes on a platter with grilled lamb. This easy recipe includes thin slices of prosciutto torn into bite-sized pieces, chopped onions, and sweet spring peas.

This vegetable side dish pairs perfectly with just about any type of grilled or roasted meat and poultry. If fresh peas are out of season, you could use frozen if necessary, although fresh is always better. I find this dish is perfect simply with a sprinkling of cracked black pepper, but you could also top it with some shaved or grated Pecorino Romano cheese if you wanted to.

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Buon Appetito!
Deborah Mele 

Spring Peas with Prosciutto & Onions

Spring Peas with Prosciutto & Onions

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Sweet baby peas are combined with salty prosciutto in this easy spring veggie side dish.

Ingredients

  • 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 Ounces Thinly Sliced Prosciutto, Torn Into Bite Sized Pieces
  • 1 Small Sweet Onion, Finely Chopped
  • 1 Pound Fresh Peas
  • Dash of Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper.

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium heat, and add the onions and prosciutto.
  2. Cook until the onions are soft and the prosciutto begins to crisp, about 7 to 8 minutes.
  3. Add the peas and 1/2 cup of water, and cook just until the peas are tender crisp and the water has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
  4. Season the peas with salt and pepper and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 270Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 431mgCarbohydrates: 24gFiber: 7gSugar: 11gProtein: 11g

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