Easy Butter Peas
Butter peas make the perfect 10-minute side dish that wins over even the pickiest eaters. This simple recipe needs just four ingredients: frozen peas, butter, garlic, and water.
The buttery peas recipe delivers consistently delicious results with frozen peas straight from the freezer or fresh peas from your garden. Frozen peas excel especially when you have to preserve peak freshness. They maintain their natural sweetness and crisp texture.
Let me guide you through this versatile dish that adapts well with different herbs and spices to match your priorities. Real butter creates that perfect, rich flavor that makes this recipe stand out on your dinner table.
Before You Get Starte:
Proper preparation is key to making butter peas. Start by gathering all ingredients and measuring tools on your counter. This simple step will save time and prevent scrambling for items while cooking.
You should not thaw frozen peas before cooking. Frozen peas cook perfectly straight from the freezer and keep their bright green color better. Fresh peas need shelling right before cooking to keep their natural sweetness.
A clean workspace with a colander ready for draining makes the process easier. Keep a small bowl close by to discard pea pods or packaging. A medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid will trap steam and cook the peas evenly.
Place your stovetop where you can watch the peas while they cook. Your butter should be at room temperature nearby so it melts smoothly into the peas. Wooden spoons or silicone spatulas work best to stir, since metal utensils might harm the delicate peas.
Note that butter peas taste best when served right away while their butter coating stays warm and glossy. Having a serving bowl ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Key Tips:
Your success with butter peas comes down to becoming skilled at a few significant techniques. Heat control makes the most important difference. The butter should not burn or taste bitter, so keep medium heat going while you cook.
Quality butter is everything here. Pick butter that contains 82% fat to get the richest flavor. The real thing gives peas that perfect coating – you won’t get these results from margarine or other substitutes.
Getting the texture right depends on perfect timing. The peas should stay tender but keep a slight crunch. You’ll know they’re done when they burst pleasantly in your mouth. Nobody wants mushy, overcooked peas.
Here are vital tips to try something different:
- A plant-based version needs vegan-friendly butter
- Smaller peas give you sweeter, softer results
- Whole-grain mustard and sour cream can boost the flavor
The dish needs gentle reheating over low heat to keep its perfect texture. Fresh herbs can boost this dish nicely. Mint works beautifully with peas, and thyme adds that aromatic touch.
Frozen peas turn out exceptionally well because they’re locked in at peak freshness. You don’t need to defrost them first. This helps you nail that perfect balance of sweetness and texture in your butter peas every time.
What Makes This Recipe So Good?
Butter peas have a delicate flavor that makes them different from ordinary vegetables. These unique legumes combine the shape of traditional peas with the smooth, velvety taste of butter beans. Their natural buttery flavor creates an irresistible side dish that leaves serving bowls empty every time.
The magic happens in their versatility. These peas work beautifully as a simple side or as part of complex recipes. Their natural sweetness works perfectly with savory seasonings because the peas soak up flavors while keeping their distinctive taste.
Butter coating and proper cooking technique create a subtle crispiness that turns into a delicate tenderness with each bite. The peas develop an amazing texture that raises them from simple vegetables to a memorable dish.
This recipe stands out because you can adapt it to different cooking methods. The peas keep their fresh flavor and deep green color whatever way you prepare them. Their natural sweetness fits both everyday meals and special occasions, making them a reliable addition to any menu.
Butter peas shine in their perfect balance of earthiness and creamy texture. This harmony creates a side dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting – a rare quality that makes this recipe exceptional.
Why I Love This Recipe:
This butter peas recipe has become my kitchen staple because it’s simple and gives consistent results. My years of cooking taught me that frozen peas work better than fresh ones. They keep their bright green color and don’t get mushy.
These little green powerhouses pack remarkable health benefits:
- Rich in coumestrol for stomach cancer protection
- Packed with vitamins C and E for immune system strength
- High in fiber for better digestion
- Contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for heart health
The recipe’s versatility never fails to amaze me. These buttery peas fit perfectly with quick weeknight dinners and holiday feasts. The butter and peas create a flavor combination that reshapes the scene from basic vegetable to something special.
This recipe stands out because it wins over picky eaters. My family always asks for seconds thanks to the butter’s delightful taste. The six-minute preparation time makes it a perfect side dish.
The peas’ natural sweetness and rich butter coating create an irresistible mix that converts skeptics into fans. People who once avoided peas now love this preparation method.
Recipe Variations
Want to add some excitement to your butter peas? This classic recipe opens up a world of tasty variations. Fresh herbs create amazing flavor combinations – mint brings a cool freshness, and thyme adds an earthy aroma. You can mix and match these herbs in winning combinations:
- Fresh parsley with chives to capture garden-fresh flavors
- Mint and tarragon that blend into sophisticated notes
- Thyme leaves mixed with oregano for a Mediterranean touch
Many ingredients can reshape the scene of your butter peas. Warm peas welcome grated Parmesan cheese, which melts into a creamy coating. Crispy bacon bits or pancetta add a savory crunch that pairs perfectly with the peas’ natural sweetness.
Toasted almonds or pine nuts add a wonderful crunch when sprinkled right before serving. A splash of cream turns these simple peas into something special. We sautéed garlic in butter before adding the peas to create an aromatic depth.
Red pepper flakes bring subtle heat, while fresh lemon zest brightens the whole ordeal. Pearl onions make perfect partners in a classic pairing that’s passed the test of time. These peas taste amazing in spring salads or when mixed with pasta and prosciutto.
Equipment
You only need a few simple kitchen tools to make delicious butter peas. A medium-sized saucepan with a tight-fitting lid will give a consistent heat distribution and keep steam inside while cooking.
Your stirring companion should be a wooden or bamboo spatula. These materials work better than metal utensils because they treat the peas gently and protect your cookware’s surface. A mixing bowl helps you combine ingredients and hold your finished peas.
Measuring spoons help you get the perfect butter-to-pea ratio. Fresh garlic works best with a garlic press, though it’s not essential. A small skillet can help you toast extra ingredients or melt butter on its own.
This recipe’s charm comes from its simplicity – no fancy equipment or special gadgets needed. Quality simple tools make cooking easier and more fun. These essential kitchen items support all the cooking techniques we covered and help your butter peas turn out great every time.
Ingredients
Let me show you how to make perfect butter peas. For the base recipe, you’ll need 1 pound of frozen peas, 2 tablespoons of butter, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. We found that frozen peas work best when used straight from the freezer. They stay fresh and give reliable results every time.
For the butter component, you can use either salted or unsalted butter. Salted butter makes a great starting point because it brings out the peas’ natural sweetness. You’ll want about 50 grams (3 tablespoons) of butter to coat everything perfectly.
For seasoning and aromatics, you’ll need:
- 1 minced shallot or 2 tablespoons minced yellow onion
- 1/4 teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper
- 1-2 tablespoons of water for steaming
Baby peas (also called petite peas) taste sweeter and feel more tender than regular peas. When you use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water, remember to adjust your salt.
Fresh herbs like tarragon, chives, mint, or parsley add amazing flavor dimensions. Pearl onions also work great by adding a subtle sweetness and texture to the dish. This recipe shines because you can tweak quantities and seasonings to match your priorities while keeping the core butter-to-pea ratio intact.
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Easy Butter Peas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Simple, buttery, and packed with flavor, Butter Peas are the perfect comfort side dish! Tender peas are simmered in a rich, buttery sauce, enhanced with a touch of seasoning for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Ingredients
- 1 minced shallot or 2 tablespoons minced yellow onion
- 1/4 teaspoon each of kosher salt and black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons of water for steaming
Instructions
Let’s take a closer look at making perfect butter peas with these step-by-step instructions.
Preparation:
You can use fresh or frozen peas. We used fresh peas, so shell them into a colander and give them a really good rinse. You’ll need 2½ cups of peas for the best serving size. Frozen peas work great right from the freezer – no thawing needed.
Cooking:
- Set your saucepan over medium heat. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- To improve flavor, add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté until it smells fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Put your peas in the pan with 1 tablespoon of water. A vital timing tip: Cook and stir occasionally for 2-4 minutes.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 more minutes. You’ll know the peas are ready when they float to the surface.
- Take the pan off the heat once the peas are tender enough. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
To use the boiling method instead:
- Get your water to a rapid boil
- Cook peas for exactly 60 seconds
- Drain and toss with butter right away
Pro tip: Keep the lid slightly open while simmering so steam can escape. This will give you perfectly cooked peas that stay bright green and sweet.
Note that great butter peas should never be overcooked. They should pop in your mouth while keeping their bright color.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
FAQs
Butter peas typically cook quickly, taking about 6-8 minutes total. Simmer them for 2-4 minutes, then reduce heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they reach your desired tenderness.
The key to perfect buttery peas is using high-quality butter (82% fat content), cooking the peas just until tender while maintaining a slight crunch, and seasoning them well. Add the peas to melted butter, stir occasionally, and cook for a short time to preserve their bright green color and natural sweetness.
To enhance the flavor of peas, try adding minced garlic, fresh herbs like mint or thyme, a touch of lemon zest, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor.
Yes, frozen peas work exceptionally well for this recipe. In fact, they’re often preferred as they’re preserved at peak freshness, maintaining their natural sweetness and crisp texture. Cook them straight from the freezer without thawing for best results.
To make vegan butter peas, simply substitute regular butter with your preferred vegan butter alternative. Ensure the plant-based butter you choose has a taste profile you enjoy, as it will significantly impact the final flavor of the dish.
