Prepare to transform your ordinary side dish into a culinary masterpiece that will have your dinner guests begging for seconds! This Parmesan Peas and Shallots recipe is not just another vegetable side—it's a delightful Italian-inspired creation that elevates humble frozen peas into a gourmet experience. In just 20 minutes, you'll create a dish so deliciously simple yet sophisticated that it will become your new go-to vegetable recipe that makes even pea-skeptics fall in love.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 400g frozen peas
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by finely chopping the shallots and grating the Parmesan cheese. Measure out the frozen peas and have salt and pepper ready.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and sauté until they become soft and translucent, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas directly to the pan with the shallots. Stir to combine and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, allowing the peas to heat through completely and become tender.
- Season the peas and shallots with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to distribute the seasoning evenly.
- Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the warm peas. Gently toss to ensure the cheese melts slightly and coats the peas and shallots.
- Transfer the Parmesan peas and shallots to a serving dish. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the residual heat to continue melting the cheese.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor—pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly.
- Keep the heat at medium to prevent shallots from burning and ensure they become soft and sweet.
- Don't overcook the peas; they should be tender but still bright green and vibrant.
- For extra richness, you can add a small pat of butter when sautéing the shallots.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts or breadcrumbs to sprinkle on top before serving.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or as a complement to risotto and pasta dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 8mg