I love how simple, fresh, and flavorful this Thanksgiving peas side dish turns out. It brings brightness and color to a holiday table filled with rich foods, and it comes together quickly with just a handful of everyday ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it’s light, fast, and full of natural sweetness from the peas. It uses basic aromatics, cooks in minutes, and pairs beautifully with any holiday spread. I also appreciate that it’s easy to customize with herbs or citrus, and it reheats well when I need to prepare parts of the meal ahead of time.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 cups (550 g) frozen peas
1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional add-ins and substitutions:
Add red pepper flakes for a little heat
Stir in fresh mint for a brighter finish
Use ghee instead of butter
Add sautéed mushrooms for extra depth
Swap onion for shallots for a milder flavor
Directions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil.
Add the chopped onion or shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the frozen peas directly to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for 3–5 minutes, just until heated through and bright green.
Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the lemon juice if using.
Remove from heat and gently mix in the fresh parsley or thyme before serving.
Servings And Timing
Yield: about 6–8 servings
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Variations
Creamy peas: Add a splash of cream or coconut milk for richness.
Herbed peas: Try basil, dill, or tarragon instead of parsley or thyme.
Caramelized onion peas: Cook the onions longer for deeper sweetness.
Roasted garlic peas: Replace fresh garlic with roasted garlic for a mellow flavor.
Cheesy peas: Stir in Parmesan or feta just before serving.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat:
Stovetop: warm gently with a splash of water or butter.
Microwave: heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing: Not recommended, as peas can turn mushy after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, and they’ll cook even faster—usually in about 2–3 minutes.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I often prepare it ahead, then stir in the fresh herbs right before serving to keep their flavor bright.
Can I add more vegetables?
Carrots, mushrooms, asparagus, or even corn work well with this dish.
Does lemon juice change the flavor a lot?
It adds subtle brightness, but I can leave it out if I want a more traditional flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily. I use a large skillet to ensure the peas heat evenly.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving peas side dish is quick, vibrant, and delicious, bringing fresh color and flavor to any holiday meal. I love how simple the ingredients are and how easily I can adapt the herbs or seasonings to suit the rest of the menu. It’s a dependable, fast, and flavorful addition that always earns a spot on my table.
A quick, vibrant side dish of peas sautéed with aromatic onion and garlic, brightened with fresh lemon juice and herbs—perfect for adding color and freshness to a holiday table.
Ingredients
4 cups (550 g) frozen peas
1 small onion or shallot, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme
½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter or olive oil.
Add the chopped onion or shallot and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the frozen peas directly to the pan and stir to combine. Cook for about 3–5 minutes, until heated through and bright green.
Season with salt and black pepper. Stir in the lemon juice if using.
Remove from heat and gently mix in the fresh chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
Notes
For a richer version, add a splash of cream or coconut milk at the end.
Try substituting basil, dill or tarragon instead of parsley or thyme.
Caramelize the onions a little longer for extra sweetness and depth.
Add sautéed mushrooms for texture and flavor variation.
Frozen peas are convenient and taste excellent when sautéed rather than boiled. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
