Stewed peas with bacon are one of those dishes that smell like home. A quick and easy side dish, like potatoes and mushrooms, perfect when you want to serve something tasty without much effort. The sweetness of the peas perfectly complements the crispy bacon, creating an irresistible balance. Great next to a meat dish, like meatballs, or a fried egg, they’re so good they disappear in no time! Ideal in any season, they can be made with fresh, frozen, or canned peas, for a result that is always tasty and genuine.
If you’re looking for easy side dishes or pea recipes, you can also check out:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4People
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 4 cups peas
- 3.5 oz bacon
- 1 onion
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper (optional)
- 1 ladle vegetable broth (or water)
Preparation of Stewed Peas with Bacon
Peas: you can use either frozen or canned ones, I generally use frozen.
Bacon: the choice can be either sweet or smoked, depending on your taste.
After cleaning the onion, finely chop it and let it soften in a pan with the extra virgin olive oil over low heat.
Add the bacon previously cut into cubes and let it brown for a few minutes, until it becomes golden and releases all its aroma.
Then add the peas and mix well. Pour in a ladle of hot broth, or hot water if you don’t have broth. Cover with a lid and let cook for about 20 minutes (remember that the time varies based on the peas used).
When the peas are soft and the cooking liquid is almost absorbed, season with salt and pepper.
Pour the stewed peas with bacon into a serving dish and serve them hot and… get ready for seconds!
If you liked the recipe for stewed peas with bacon, you might also be interested in golden fried artichokes or pan-fried mushrooms.
Silvana’s Tips
If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can replace the oil with a knob of butter and smoked bacon.
For a more aromatic result, add a splash of white wine after browning the bacon.
For a more colorful version, add a couple of tablespoons of tomato sauce and cook for a few extra minutes.
If using frozen peas, there’s no need to defrost them beforehand; just add them directly to the pan.
For a creamier texture, mash a small portion of the peas with a fork at the end of cooking.
Storage
Stewed peas with bacon can be stored in the fridge, sealed in an airtight container, for up to 2 days.
Before serving again, heat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a splash of water, and they will be soft and fragrant once more.
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