As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reminiscing about the vibrant dishes that grace our holiday table. One standout is my quick and delightful Thanksgiving Peas. They may seem simple, but trust me, these peas can transform a meal from ordinary to extraordinary with just a few ingredients. Picture this: vibrant green peas tossed in melted butter, fragrant garlic, and a zesty kick of lemon, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.
The best part? This recipe takes mere minutes to prepare, making it perfect for those bustling holiday preparations when every second counts. I often whip these up when guests are just around the corner or when I need a refreshing side to liven up my plate. With a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish, you’ll have a gorgeous dish that looks as good as it tastes. Ready to elevate your Thanksgiving feast? Let’s dive into making these delightful peas!
Why You'll Love This Thanksgiving Peas
- This Thanksgiving Peas recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring just 10 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy holiday prep.
- The combination of buttery peas, aromatic garlic, and zesty lemon creates a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds craving more.
- With only a handful of ingredients, it’s versatile enough to pair with any main dish, allowing you to impress your guests with minimal effort.
- Plus, the bright green color and fresh parsley garnish make this dish visually appealing and festive, adding a gorgeous touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Thanksgiving Peas Ingredients
For the Peas
• Frozen peas – 2 cups of vibrant green peas are perfect for a quick holiday side dish.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons to create a rich, savory base for the dish.
• Garlic – 2 cloves, minced for an aromatic boost that pairs beautifully with peas.
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon adds a refreshing acidity to balance the flavors.
• Lemon zest – Zest of 1 lemon enhances the lemony aroma and brightens the dish.
• Salt and pepper – Season to taste, bringing the dish together with flavor.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish and a pop of color to your Thanksgiving Peas.
How to Make Thanksgiving Peas
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Thaw the peas by placing them in a colander under cold running water or letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This helps achieve that perfect tender texture!
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Mince the garlic cloves and set aside. This step releases the oils and flavors, making sure every bite is filled with that delightful aroma.
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Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing it to become bubbly and fragrant, a delightful sign that your dish is about to shine.
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Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. This short cooking time ensures a burst of flavor while keeping the garlic bright and fresh.
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Add the thawed peas to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally. You want them heated through but still vibrant green.
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Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste, balancing the buttery goodness with a zesty kick.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, adding a lovely touch of color and fresh flavor that elevates your Thanksgiving Peas.
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Transfer the peas to a serving dish and enjoy warm as a vibrant side dish that steals the spotlight on your holiday table.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds for a crunchy twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Thanksgiving Peas?
Elevate your holiday meal with delightful pairings that complement the fresh flavors of vibrant peas sautéed in butter and garlic.
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Roasted Turkey: A classic centerpiece, its savory goodness contrasts beautifully with the brightness of peas, making every bite special.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and indulgent, these potatoes provide a comforting base, allowing the peas to shine as a fresh accent.
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Herb-Crusted Salmon: The fish’s richness and fragrant herbs enhance the zesty lemon notes, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.
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Stuffing: Savory and hearty, the warm spices in stuffing provide a lovely balance to the fresh and bright tastes of the peas.
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Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberries cuts through the buttery flavor of the peas, adding a vibrant contrast that brightens your plate.
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Honey Glazed Carrots: Their natural sweetness brings a delightful touch, pairing wonderfully with the subtle garlic and zest in the peas.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of this white wine complements the brightness of the dish while elevating the overall dining experience.
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Pumpkin Pie: A slice of this classic dessert seals the meal with warmth and spice, completing your Thanksgiving table beautifully.
Thanksgiving Peas Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this classic dish to make it uniquely yours!
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Herb-Infused: Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the butter for an aromatic twist that enhances the earthy flavors of the peas.
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Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of crème fraîche at the end for a rich, creamy texture that elevates this side dish!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery flair that balances beautifully with the sweetness of the peas.
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Bacon Crunch: Add crumbled crispy bacon for a smoky, crunchy element that complements the buttery peas and gives a delightful contrast in texture.
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Nutty Flavor: Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds added at the end bring a nutty richness and extra crunch, enhancing both flavor and texture.
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Vegan Delight: Swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter, and replace each tablespoon of lemon juice with balsamic vinegar for a bright and tangy dressing that’s completely plant-based.
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Fruity Zest: Experiment with lime juice and lime zest instead of lemon for a different citrus note that adds freshness and a tropical vibe.
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Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese over the peas right before serving for a savory, cheesy addition that brings the dish to a whole new level!
How to Store and Freeze Thanksgiving Peas
Fridge: Store cooked Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their vibrant color and flavor.
Freezer: If you have leftovers, you can freeze the peas for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Just be sure to cool them completely before freezing to preserve their texture.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a little splash of butter can revive their flavor beautifully!
Preparation Tip: If freezing before cooking, thaw the peas in the fridge overnight before proceeding with the recipe to ensure even cooking and delicious results.
Make Ahead Options
Thanksgiving Peas are a fantastic option for meal prep, saving you precious time on the big day! You can sauté the garlic and prepare the peas up to 24 hours in advance. Simply thaw the peas and mix them with the minced garlic in the skillet, but don’t add the butter or seasoning yet. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, melt the butter in a skillet, add the prepped mixture, and heat it through for 3-4 minutes, incorporating the lemon juice and seasoning just before serving. This ensures your peas remain vibrant and fresh, providing just as delicious a dish as if you made them from scratch!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Thanksgiving Peas, remember to thaw your frozen peas thoroughly to ensure they are tender and vibrant when cooked.
- Be cautious when sautéing the garlic; cook it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness from browning.
- For added depth of flavor, try using unsalted butter and adjusting the salt later as needed.
- When heating the peas, aim for a bright green color and tender texture by not overcooking them, which should take only 3-4 minutes.
Thanksgiving Peas Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best frozen peas for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting frozen peas, look for bright green, plump peas without any dark spots or signs of freezer burn. They should be firm and not clustered together; this indicates they were properly frozen and have not been thawed and refrozen. Always check the package for freshness dates, too!
How should I store leftover Thanksgiving Peas?
You can store cooked Thanksgiving Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they have cooled completely before placing them in the container to retain their vibrant color and flavor.
Can I freeze Thanksgiving Peas, and if so, how?
Yes, you can definitely freeze Thanksgiving Peas! Allow them to cool completely after cooking. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What if I overcooked the peas and they turned mushy?
Very! If you’ve overcooked the peas and they are mushy, consider using them in a different way, like blending them into a soup or mixing them into a pasta dish where the texture won’t be as noticeable. For next time, keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure they stay vibrant and tender.
Are there any dietary concerns to consider with Thanksgiving Peas?
Of course! If you have guests with dietary restrictions, be mindful of allergies. The primary ingredients—peas, butter, garlic, and lemon—are generally safe, but make sure to check if anyone has a dairy allergy, as butter can be substituted with olive oil if needed. Also, be aware of anyone who may be sensitive to garlic. You can easily omit it for a milder flavor while still enjoying those lovely peas!
Thanksgiving Peas
Ingredients
- 2 cups Frozen peas vibrant green peas are perfect for a quick holiday side dish
- 2 tablespoons Butter to create a rich, savory base for the dish
- 2 cloves Garlic minced for an aromatic boost
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice adds refreshing acidity
- 1 each Lemon zest enhances the lemony aroma
- Salt and pepper season to taste
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley chopped for garnish, optional
Method
- Thaw the peas by placing them in a colander under cold running water or letting them sit at room temperature for a few minutes.
- Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the thawed peas to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Transfer the peas to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
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