Italian Sweet Peas with Crispy Prosciutto
Experience the vibrant flavors of Italy with this delightful dish of Italian Sweet Peas with Crispy Prosciutto. This recipe combines the sweetness of garden-fresh green peas (or convenient frozen peas) with the savoriness of crispy prosciutto and the aromatic notes of sautéed onion. Ideal as a side dish or a flavorful topping for pasta, this recipe is quick to prepare and celebrates the simplicity of high-quality ingredients. Perfect for sharing at family dinners or special occasions, this dish will surely impress your guests with its rich flavor and appealing colors.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup (Measure oil)
Prosciutto
2 ounces (Roughly chopped)
White onion
1 small (Minced)
Fresh green peas or frozen peas
1 lb (If fresh, shelled; if frozen, ready to use)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped prosciutto and minced onions to the skillet. Sauté for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and lightly caramelized, and the prosciutto is crispy.
3
Carefully add the fresh or frozen peas to the skillet along with 1 tablespoon of water. Toss the mixture to combine and cover the skillet, allowing the peas to steam for about 3 minutes or until heated through.
4
Remove the lid, and stir to ensure the peas are evenly coated with the prosciutto and onion. Adjust seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5
Serve warm as a delicious side dish or over pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Italian Sweet Peas with Crispy Prosciutto recipe?
It is a vibrant Italian dish that combines the sweetness of garden-fresh or frozen green peas with savory crispy prosciutto and sautéed onions.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either 1 lb of fresh shelled peas or 1 lb of frozen peas that are ready to use.
How do I prepare the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be roughly chopped before being sautéed in the skillet.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small white onion, minced.
How long should I sauté the prosciutto and onions?
You should sauté them for about 6-8 minutes over medium-high heat until the onions are softened and the prosciutto is crispy.
How much olive oil is required?
This recipe requires 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Is water used during the cooking process?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of water is added to the skillet when you add the peas to help them steam.
How long do the peas need to steam?
The peas should be covered and allowed to steam for about 3 minutes until heated through.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It can be served warm as a side dish or used as a flavorful topping over pasta for a complete meal.
How do I season the Italian Sweet Peas?
Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste after the peas have finished steaming.
What heat setting should I use for the skillet?
The skillet should be heated over medium-high heat.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, celebrating the simplicity of high-quality ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients: olive oil, prosciutto, white onion, peas, salt, and black pepper.
Should the onions be caramelized?
The instructions recommend sautéing the onions until they are softened and lightly caramelized.
Can I use fresh peas?
Yes, if using fresh green peas, ensure they are shelled before starting the recipe.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features fresh vegetables and heart-healthy olive oil.
How much prosciutto is needed?
You will need 2 ounces of roughly chopped prosciutto.
What color will the finished dish be?
The dish features vibrant green peas and appealing colors from the golden-brown prosciutto and onions.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, this dish is perfect for sharing at family dinners or special occasions and can be easily scaled up.
Do I need to defrost frozen peas first?
No, you can add frozen peas directly to the skillet; they are ready to use.
What type of olive oil is best?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its high quality and aromatic notes.
How do I ensure the peas are evenly coated?
After removing the lid from the skillet, stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the peas are coated with the oil, prosciutto, and onion.
Is this a traditional Italian side dish?
Yes, it is an Italian-inspired vegetable side dish (contorno).
How do I prep the white onion?
The onion should be minced into small pieces for even cooking and distribution.
What is the total weight of peas required?
The recipe requires 1 pound of peas.
Does the prosciutto need to be crispy?
Yes, the recipe aims for crispy prosciutto to provide a textural contrast to the soft peas.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor profile.
Should I cover the skillet when cooking?
Yes, you should cover the skillet for about 3 minutes to allow the peas to steam properly.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Absolutely, it is designed to impress guests with its rich flavor and appealing visual presentation.
Is this a quick meal option?
Yes, with short sauté and steam times, it is a very quick dish to prepare.