Peas à la Française Recipe
Peas à la Française is a classic French side dish featuring tender peas cooked with crisp bacon, shallots, fresh herbs, and buttery romaine lettuce. This comforting and flavorful recipe highlights the freshness of spring vegetables with aromatic thyme, parsley, and mint, making it an ideal accompaniment to roasted meats like chicken or lamb.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
- 1 shallot, diced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 spring thyme (sprig)
- Fresh chopped herbs: parsley and mint (to taste)
Other Ingredients
- 3–4 strips of bacon
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon strips until they become crisp and golden brown. This renders the fat that will flavor the rest of the dish.
- Sauté the shallot: Add the diced shallot directly into the pan with the bacon and its fat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the shallot softens and releases its fragrance.
- Add peas and seasonings: Into the skillet, add the peas, butter, 1/2 cup water, a sprig of thyme, and the chopped romaine lettuce. Cover the skillet and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the lettuce has wilted. If using frozen peas, reduce the cooking time to 5 to 6 minutes.
- Season and garnish: Remove the thyme sprig, then season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and mint on top for a bright herbal finish.
- Serve: Serve this warm, flavorful side dish alongside roasted chicken, lamb, or any comforting springtime entrée.
Notes
- Using fresh peas enhances the flavor and texture, but frozen peas are a convenient alternative; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Bacon fat is essential for authentic flavor; however, you can substitute with olive oil or butter for a lighter version.
- Replacing romaine lettuce with other tender leafy greens like spinach or baby kale works well but may alter the texture.
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats and can be a vibrant addition to a springtime menu.
Keywords: peas à la française, French side dish, peas recipe, bacon and peas, spring vegetables, romaine lettuce side, easy French recipe
Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/peas-a-la-francaise-recipe/
