Peas with Pancetta: An Easy & Flavorful Side Dish
This simple yet delicious side dish features tender peas cooked with crispy pancetta, aromatic onion and garlic, a hint of red pepper flakes, and bright lemon zest and juice, finished with fresh Parmesan cheese.
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.
Notes
If using frozen peas, it's ideal to thaw them for a few hours on the counter, though the dish can be made directly from frozen with a slightly less vibrant color. Cooking time may be longer if using frozen peas.