Spring wouldn’t be Spring without a delicious Sweet Pea Side Dish! Tender young Peas are sautéed with shallots, garlic, prosciutto, pine nuts, and topped off with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
Spring is the start of gardening season. Peas love cooler weather. I love picking peas right off the vine! They’re just like candy, they’re so sweet!
I’ve always liked peas. However, I realize not everyone is on team “Pea”! Some actually loathe the poor defenseless little green buggers!
A few years ago for a Sunday dinner, in early Spring, I needed a quick vegetable side dish. Just so happened I had a big bag of sweet frozen peas. I also had a big bag of pine nuts a friend had just dropped off, and a package of prosciutto! It got me to thinking. What would happen if I threw them all together with a little garlic and some shallots?
I’ll tell you what happened! I turned the Pea haters in my family into bona-fied Pea Lovers! Yep, even if you haven’t been a life-long member of team “Sweet Peas”…you’re gonna love this recipe! It’s a game changer.
Ingredients for Prosciutto and Peas
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Butter
- 2 shallots, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (1 pound) bag of frozen Sweet Peas, thawed
- 4 ounces (1/8 inch-thick slices) prosciutto, diced or thinly sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 4 Tablespoon grated Parmesan Cheese, for garnish
How To Make Peas & Prosciutto Side Dish
Heat oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper. Sauté until tender, about 1 minute.
Add the peas, and sauté until heated through, about 5 minutes.
Add the sliced prosciutto. Prosciutto adds loads of flavor!
TIP: You can dice the prosciutto rather than cutting it into thin strips. Whatever works best for you and your tastes.
What is Prosciutto?
The word Prosciutto mean “ham” in Italian. It is made from the hind legs of pigs and is aged during a “dry-curing” process. There are two different types of prosciutto. We want prosciutto crud, which is uncooked, yet cured.
You can purchase prosciutto in most markets, generally in the specialty deli section.
Next add 1/4 cup of Pine Nuts. Sautè with the prosciutto for an additional 1–2 minutes. The flavors all come together as they cook together. This isn’t your Grandma’s Pea recipe!
Finishing off the Peas and Prosciutto
Place peas, prosciutto, and pine nuts in a serving dish. I think this is a gorgeous Spring side dish. There’s one more thing to do before we call it good with this simple recipe.
Sprinkle the top of the Peas with shredded Parmesan Cheese. If you want an extra kick of flavor I recommend using Asiago Cheese. It’s a unique flavor, but one that would go well with this side dish.
This dish pairs beautifully with your Easter Ham! (Hint, hint)
Other Favorite Side Dish Recipes
- Rosemary Three Potato Gratin
- Sweet Potato Casserole
- Savory Herbed Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Cauliflower Casserole
- Asparagus with Walnuts and Feta Cheese
- Amaretto Glazed Carrots
- Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus Bundles
- Parmesan Risotto
- Roasted Baby Potatoes by the Joyous Apron
Sweet Peas, Prosciutto, and Pine Nuts
Spring wouldn't be Spring without a delicious Sweet Pea Side Dish! Tender young Peas are sauteed with shallots, garlic, prosciutto, pine nuts, and topped off with freshly shredded parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 2 Shallots, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 (1 pound) bag frozen peas, thawed
- 4 ounces (1/8-inch thick slices) prosciutto, sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (optional)
- 4 Tablespoons Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Heat oil and butter in a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add the shallots, garlic, salt, and pepper, saute until tender, about 1 minute.
- Add the peas and saute until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the prosciutto and pine nuts, and cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and remove from heat. Season to taste, with additional salt and pepper. Serve.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
DOWAN 60 Ounces Large Salad Bowls, 10" Shallow Serving Bowls, Serving Platter, Pasta Bowls Set of 2, Dinner Plates for Salad Pasta Fruit, Ceramic Serving Dishes for Entertaining Party -
Deiss PRO Lemon Zester & Heavy Duty Cheese Grater & Vegetable Grater — Parmesan Cheese Lemon, Garlic, Nutmeg, Chocolate, Fruits, Vegetables, Ginger Grater - Cheese Shredder & Stainless Steel Grater -
Lodge L8SK3 10-1/4-Inch Pre-Seasoned Skillet
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 133Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 144mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 3g