Welcome to your new favorite go-to side dish! This Peas with Pancetta recipe effortlessly combines the natural sweetness of green peas with the irresistible salty crunch of crispy pancetta. Ready in minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant addition to any meal, transforming everyday ingredients into something truly special. Get ready to elevate your dinner table with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Peas with Pancetta
This delightful side dish is perfect for both beginners and busy home cooks, consistently delivering outstanding results. You’ll quickly see why Peas with Pancetta earns a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
- The combination of sweet peas, savory pancetta, and bright lemon creates an incredibly balanced and irresistible flavor profile.
- You only need a handful of common ingredients, making this recipe easy to shop for and prepare on short notice.
- Preparation is quick and effortless, moving from skillet to table in under 15 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- This versatile dish pairs beautifully with everything from roasted chicken to holiday roasts, fitting seamlessly into any menu.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, adding a gourmet touch without any complicated techniques or fussy steps.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious side dish of Peas with Pancetta.
- 4 oz diced pancetta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking pancetta if needed)
- 1 lb peas, fresh or frozen (thawed is ideal)
- ½ small onion, finely diced (about ⅓ cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Parmesan cheese for serving
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Notes & Substitutions
For the best Peas with Pancetta, ingredient quality makes a difference. Fresh peas offer vibrant flavor and texture, though high-quality frozen peas are an excellent and convenient substitute. If using frozen, allow them to thaw on the counter for a few hours for a more tender result, but they also work directly from the freezer. Avoid canned peas, as their texture and color are often compromised.
Pancetta is cured pork belly, similar to bacon but not smoked, offering a milder, saltier flavor. Serious Eats provides further culinary details on the differences between pancetta and bacon. If you can’t find it, diced bacon is a fantastic substitute; cook it until extra crispy. Feel free to use any type of onion you have on hand, such as red, yellow, or even shallots, ensuring they are finely diced for quick cooking. Always opt for fresh lemon for both the zest and juice, as bottled juice lacks the bright, essential flavor this dish needs. For serving, freshly grated Parmesan cheese provides the best taste and texture, elevating the final dish.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make these wonderful Peas with Pancetta. This recipe is designed to be simple and accessible.
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your delicious Peas with Pancetta side dish. Each step is designed for clarity, ensuring a perfect result every time.
First, drizzle a little olive oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Add the diced pancetta to the hot pan. Cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown and becomes wonderfully crispy, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to carefully remove the cooked pancetta from the skillet, leaving the flavorful rendered fat behind. Transfer the crispy pancetta to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess grease, then set it aside.
Next, in the same pan with the pancetta fat, add the finely diced onions. Cook them over medium heat for a couple of minutes until they become soft and translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your Peas with Pancetta.
Now, add the thinly sliced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and the fresh lemon zest to the softened onions. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Continue cooking for just one to two minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly softened, taking care not to burn it.
Stir in the peas along with the freshly squeezed juice of one small lemon. If using frozen peas, note that they might take a bit longer to warm through completely. The lemon juice adds a bright, essential tang to the dish.
Cook the peas for about 5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and tender-crisp. You want them to retain their vibrant green color and a slight bite, avoiding any mushiness.
Add about three-quarters of the reserved crispy pancetta back into the pan with the peas. Stir everything together gently to combine, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This ensures every bite of Peas with Pancetta has that savory crunch.
Carefully pour the cooked peas and pancetta mixture into your chosen serving dish. This beautiful side is now almost ready for the table.
Finally, generously top the peas with the remaining crispy pancetta you set aside earlier. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
Serve your flavorful Peas with Pancetta immediately while it’s still hot, and savor the wonderful combination of tastes and textures. Enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving perfect Peas with Pancetta is easy with these simple tips. Follow them for the best flavor and texture every time.
- Crispy Pancetta is Key: Always cook the pancetta until it’s extra golden brown and truly crispy. This texture contrast is essential for the dish.
- Don’t Overcook Peas: Keep the cooking time for the peas brief to maintain their vibrant color and tender-crisp texture. Mushy peas diminish the appeal of the dish.
- Utilize Rendered Fat: The rendered pancetta fat is packed with flavor; use it to sauté the onions and garlic for maximum taste.
- Adjust Spice Level: Red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth. Adjust the amount to your personal preference, adding more for a spicier kick.
- Fresh Lemon is Best: Always use fresh lemon for both zest and juice. The bright, tangy notes are crucial for balancing the richness of the pancetta.
- Thaw Frozen Peas Properly: If using frozen peas, thawing them slightly beforehand helps them cook more evenly and maintain a better color and texture.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile Peas with Pancetta dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, pan-seared salmon, grilled pork chops, or a juicy steak for a complete meal. It also makes a fantastic addition to holiday spreads, complementing richer dishes like prime rib or glazed ham. Consider it as a flavorful side for simple weeknight dinners or elegant special occasions.
To store any leftovers, allow the Peas with Pancetta to cool completely. Transfer the dish to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to reheat, you can warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, or microwave it in short bursts. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the peas mushy.
Variations
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped fresh mint or parsley at the very end for an extra layer of brightness and aroma.
- Creamy Touch: For a richer version, add a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a pat of butter with the peas, allowing it to melt and coat them.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pancetta and cook the onions and garlic in olive oil. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or a handful of crispy breadcrumbs just before serving for added texture.
Nutrition Information
This Peas with Pancetta recipe offers a good source of fiber and vitamins from the peas, balanced by the protein and fats from the pancetta. While a complete nutritional breakdown depends on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes, this dish provides a satisfying and nutrient-rich addition to your meal. For precise details, please refer to a dedicated nutrition calculator.
| Nutrient | Value (Approx. per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200-250 |
| Total Fat | 12-15g |
| Saturated Fat | 4-6g |
| Cholesterol | 20-30mg |
| Sodium | 300-400mg |
| Total Carbs | 15-20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5-7g |
| Sugars | 5-7g |
| Protein | 8-10g |
FAQ
Here are answers to some common questions about making delicious Peas with Pancetta. These tips will help you perfect your dish.
Should I use fresh or frozen peas for this recipe?
Both fresh and frozen peas work beautifully. Fresh peas offer a slightly sweeter, crisper texture, while frozen peas are incredibly convenient and hold their flavor well.
Can I use canned peas instead?
We strongly recommend against using canned peas for this dish. They often have a mushy texture and a dull color that won’t give you the vibrant, appealing results you want for Peas with Pancetta.
What kind of pancetta is best to buy?
Look for pre-diced pancetta at your grocery store’s deli or specialty meat section for convenience. If you buy a slab, dice it yourself into small, uniform pieces for even cooking.
Are there any good substitutes for pancetta?
Absolutely! Diced bacon is an excellent substitute that offers a similar salty, savory crunch. For a vegetarian version, consider toasted nuts or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Conclusion
You now have a wonderfully simple yet sophisticated recipe for Peas with Pancetta at your fingertips. This dish perfectly embodies how easy it is to create incredible flavors with just a few quality ingredients and minimal effort. Its delightful balance of sweet, salty, and tangy notes makes it a perfect side for any occasion. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite way to enjoy peas! We’d love to hear how your Peas with Pancetta turned out, so please share your comments and photos.
Peas with Pancetta: An Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
Equipment
- skillet
- slotted spoon
- Paper towel
- Serving dish
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz diced pancetta
- olive oil for cooking
- 1 lb peas fresh or frozen (thaw if frozen for best color)
- ½ small onion finely diced, about ⅓rd cup
- 2 clove garlic thinly sliced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 lemon juiced
- parmesan cheese for serving
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Drizzle olive oil into a skillet, heat on medium-high, then add pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, cook the finely diced onions on medium heat until translucent for a couple of minutes. Then add sliced garlic, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- Add the peas along with the juice of one small lemon to the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed through. Stir in about three-quarters of the cooked pancetta.
- Pour the peas into a serving dish, then top with the remaining pancetta and fresh Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy.