Spring Peas With Prosciutto Onions Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it effortlessly elevates simple ingredients into a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet peas, savory prosciutto, and zesty lemon zest hits my taste buds with the ultimate fresh and comforting vibe that I can’t get enough of.

The vibrant flavors of spring peas with prosciutto and onion are so very delightful. This is a 2-cup dish offering fresh or frozen peas; thin slices of prosciutto; and finely chopped onion in a sweet and savory balance that’s nothing short of wonderful.

I really like what this dish does with olive oil and unsalted butter—it’s a rich combination that feels and tastes luxurious without being over the top. And I should mention: a dish loaded with peas is also a dish loaded with nutrition, and one that comes together with remarkable alacrity.

(Peas may be petite, but they’re a problem-solving powerhouse.)

Ingredients

Peas:
Rich in protein and fiber, vibrant in color, and sweet to the taste.

Prosciutto:
Savory, delicate cured meat that enhances flavor with protein.

Onion:
Depth and sweetness are added.

Vitamins and antioxidants are offered.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for the heart, loaded with antioxidants, enhance the flavor and the nutrition.

Lemon Zest:
Delivers a re-energizing flavor experience; loaded with vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 4 slices prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the onion, chopped, to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.

3. Add the prosciutto and cook it until it starts to brown, which should take around 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine the peas with the onions and prosciutto in the skillet.

5. Prepare the ensemble for an overture of 5-7 minutes, or until the peas have achieved a delicate state of tenderness yet remain strikingly bold in color.

6. Combine the unsalted butter, allowing it to melt and evenly coat the peas.

7. Incorporate well the flavors of lemon zest, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.

8. If needed, add more salt or pepper to taste.

9. When you use the food processor, an amazing amount of flavor is released from the spices. Nancy McKeon, a professor of archaeology and environmental science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, maintains an archaeological field school in southeastern Pennsylvania. Her students help excavate one or two sites each summer.

10. Warm as a delightful side dish that spotlights spring’s flavors.

Equipment Needed

1. Large skillet
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Zester or grater
7. Salt and pepper shakers or mill

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh in this recipe?A: Indeed, frozen peas are quite usable. Just make certain they are not only thawed but also drained before you commence with the cooking.
• Q: Is there a substitute for prosciutto?You can use pancetta or bacon in its place. Cook time may need to be adjusted to ensure crispiness.
• Q: Can I omit the butter from the recipe?A: Yes, you can leave out the butter or substitute it with additional olive oil if you would like.
• Q: How can I make this a vegetarian dish?A: For a vegetarian option, just leave out the prosciutto and maybe add some toasted nuts for texture.
  Additionally, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free bread. If you want to use a different kind of bread, any kind of hearty, rustic bread will work well. The method is very flexible!
• Q: What is the purpose of lemon zest in this recipe?The brightness and citrusy essence of the lemon zest preserves the flavor integrity of the sweet peas, while deftly balancing the umami qualities associated with the prosciutto’s richness.
• Q: Is the mint essential to the flavor?A: Mint is optional, but it enhances the dish’s delicious complexity. The dish is quite savory, and mint acts as a fresh counterpoint.

Substitutions and Variations

For prosciutto, replace it with thinly sliced pancetta or bacon for a comparable savory flavor.
Substitute avocado oil or grapeseed oil for olive oil, and you will have a neutral taste and the same cooking properties.
Substitute shallots for onions to achieve a flavor that’s milder and sweeter.
Substitute lime zest for lemon zest for a different citrus note.
If fresh peas cannot be found, use frozen peas. Edamame can be used for a different texture and flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Crisp the Prosciutto Before starting the recipe, consider crisping the prosciutto separately. This can be done quickly in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This method will give it an irresistible crunchy texture, which can then be added back into the mixture just before serving.

2. Use Fresh Lemon Juice Enhance the brightness and freshness of the dish by adding freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the lemon zest. This will add an extra layer of citrus flavor that complements the salty prosciutto and sweet peas.

3. Blanch the Peas To retain the bright green color and a slightly snappy texture, blanch the peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath before adding them to the skillet.

4. Herbal Garnish If not adding mint directly into the dish, consider using it as a garnish just before serving. This allows the mint to remain vibrant and fresh, adding a burst of color and aroma.

5. Balance the Seasoning Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels after the butter has melted. The prosciutto can add considerable saltiness, so err on the side of caution when initially seasoning, and adjust at the end if necessary.