© Original Recipe By Serena Recipes ©
🥗✨ Easy Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish for the Holidays: A Festive Veggie Delight! 🥳🌿
1. Introduction
Thanksgiving is all about celebrating with delicious, comforting dishes, and a standout side like Thanksgiving peas can add a fresh, vibrant touch to your holiday table. This holiday side dish is bursting with sweet, tender peas enhanced by aromatic herbs and a hint of butter, making it the perfect addition to your festive feast. Whether you’re a fan of traditional flavors or looking for a simple yet impressive vegetable side, this recipe is sure to please every palate.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday kitchens.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Uses fresh ingredients that bring out natural sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly & Appealing: Bright green, tender peas with a buttery, savory kick.
- Versatile: Serves well alongside turkey, ham, or vegetarian mains.
3. Ingredient Notes
High-quality thanksgiving peas starts with fresh, vibrant peas—either fresh or frozen. Fresh peas offer a crisp texture and brighter flavor, but frozen peas are a convenient and budget-friendly alternative, especially during the holidays. Use real butter for a rich, creamy finish—consider unsalted butter for control over salt levels, or upscale to European-style for extra creaminess.
Add a dash of good quality sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. For an herbal aroma, fresh thyme or dill elevates the dish with aromatic notes. High-quality herbs make a big difference—aim for organic or freshly picked for the best flavor.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To create this effortlessly delightful side dish, you’ll need some reliable kitchen tools. This compact 6-in-1 digital air fryer is perfect for quick sautéing, while a good nonstick cookware set ensures you won’t lose any peas during cooking. Consider using a sharp pasta maker and kitchen shears if you plan to prep larger quantities for a crowd. A high-quality colander or sieve makes rinsing fresh peas a breeze, keeping your prep quick and efficient.
5. How to Make Easy Thanksgiving Peas
Step 1: Prep the Peas
If using fresh peas, shell about 1 pound of peas, revealing their bright green, plump kernels. Rinse thoroughly under cold water to wash away any dirt or debris. Frozen peas can be simply measured and rinsed briefly if needed. The key is to keep them cold to preserve their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted and bubbling, add finely chopped shallots or garlic if desired. Cook until fragrant—about 1-2 minutes—so the aroma fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort. You should see the shallots turn translucent, and the butter take on a slight nutty hue.
Step 3: Cook the Peas
Add the peas to the skillet. Stir well to coat in butter and aromatics. Cook for 3-4 minutes until peas are tender but still have a slight crunch. You’ll notice their color deepen and aroma intensify—an inviting, fresh scent that’s pure holiday magic. Season with coarse sea salt, black pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh herbs like thyme or dill. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture. The result is a vibrant, flavorful side that beautifully complements other holiday classics.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook: Peas should be tender but still retain some bite—overcooking will dull their color and texture.
- Use fresh herbs: They add a bright, aromatic punch that elevates the simplest ingredients.
- Toast the herbs briefly: Adding herbs at the end preserves their fresh flavor and aroma.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt or lemon last to fine-tune the brightness.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil. For added richness, sprinkle a bit of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top—perfect for a cheesy, festive peas dish. You can also jazz up the flavor with a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
Vegetarian or vegan? Simply swap out butter for plant-based alternatives. For a protein boost, top with toasted nuts or crispy bacon bits if you’re not vegetarian.
8. Storage & Reheating
This holiday side dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep the peas moist and vibrant. Avoid overcooking during reheating to preserve their delightful texture.
9. FAQ
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the peas up to 1 day in advance, store in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove. Add fresh herbs just before serving for maximum flavor.
Q: Are frozen peas suitable for this recipe?
Absolutely. Frozen peas are convenient and often more budget-friendly. Just rinse and cook directly from frozen to save time.
Q: How do I keep the peas vibrant and bright after cooking?
Blanch fresh peas briefly in boiling water, then immediately transfer to ice water before sautéing. This quick process preserves color and crunch.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, diced carrots or snap peas can be added for extra texture and color, but keep in mind they may alter cooking times slightly.
10. Conclusion
This easy Thanksgiving peas side dish offers a delightful mix of simplicity, flavor, and festive charm. Bright, tender, and aromatic, it’s the perfect festive peas addition to your holiday table. For more inspiring recipes and cooking tips, explore our collection like the ultimate wizarding brunch or butterbeer treats. Elevate your holiday with this simple yet sensational vegetable side and make every bite memorable!
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Easy Thanksgiving Peas Side Dish for the Holidays
A simple, flavorful side dish featuring fresh green peas, garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese, perfect for holiday dinners.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh green peas
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Cook the peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the cooked peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes, tossing to coat evenly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute fresh peas with frozen if fresh are unavailable.
- Add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 120 Kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
