Simple Cooking: French Peas for the Holidays

By Caitlin Klein in Food on Dec 21, 2011 8:20PM

If you're scrambling around for a last-minute side dish for your holiday dinner, look no more. French peas are easy, quick, and a great side for holiday hams, turkeys, and chickens. It's unlikely that you'll find fresh peas, so frozen ones are best. The salty bacon pairs well with the fresh taste of parsley and lettuce and the bright green popping peas.

Chicagoist’s French Peas for the Holidays (serves 4)
2 Tablespoons butter
4 pieces of bacon, cut into small pieces
2 cups romaine lettuce, cut into small pieces
½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 cups frozen peas
½ cup white wine

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook, stirring until crispy. Add the romaine lettuce and parsley and stir for 1 minute.

Add the frozen peas and white wine and cover immediately with a lid. Allow the peas to steam in the wine. Shake the pan often but don’t lift the lid.

After 4 minutes, remove the lid and make sure that all the peas are warmed through. If they need a few more minutes, replace the lid and continue to steam for 2-3 minute increments. Serve immediately.