Sautéed Spring Peas with Tender Lettuce and Aromatic Green Garlic
This vibrant and fresh dish celebrates the bounty of spring with tender green peas, sweet butter lettuce, and fragrant green garlic. Perfect as a light side dish for any meal, it beautifully combines the crispness of lettuce with the sweetness of peas, all enhanced by the mild garlic flavor. Ideal for a seasonal gathering or a family dinner, this recipe embodies the essence of warm weather cooking, reminding us of the joy of fresh produce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
green garlic
5 small stalks (thinly sliced)
green peas
1 1/2 cups (fresh)
butter lettuce
2 small heads (washed and torn into leaves)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing and coring the butter lettuce, then tear it into large, bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2
In a 12-inch skillet, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted and begins to foam, add the sliced green garlic.
3
Sauté the garlic gently for about 3 minutes, or until it becomes soft and fragrant. Take care not to let it brown too much.
4
Next, add the 1 1/2 cups of green peas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are bright green and just tender.
5
Stir in any remaining butter and the torn lettuce along with a tablespoon of water. Remove the skillet from the heat and toss gently until the lettuce is just wilted and combined with the peas and garlic.
6
Season with black pepper to taste, then serve the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the flavor profile of Sautéed Spring Peas with Tender Lettuce and Green Garlic?
The dish is vibrant and fresh, combining the sweetness of spring peas and butter lettuce with the mild, fragrant aroma of green garlic and the richness of melted butter.
What is green garlic?
Green garlic is essentially young garlic harvested before the bulb has fully matured. It looks similar to a thick scallion or leek and has a much milder, fresher garlic flavor.
Can I use regular garlic if I cannot find green garlic?
Yes, but since regular garlic is much more pungent, you should use fewer cloves and perhaps add some sliced scallions to mimic the green, grassy notes of green garlic.
Is it better to use fresh or frozen peas for this recipe?
While fresh peas are recommended to celebrate the essence of spring, high-quality frozen peas can be used as a substitute if fresh ones are unavailable.
How should the butter lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed, cored, and torn into large, bite-sized pieces rather than chopped to maintain a delicate texture.
Why do I need to melt the butter until it foams?
Foaming indicates that the water in the butter is evaporating, which means it has reached the ideal temperature for sautéing the garlic without immediately browning it.
How long should I sauté the green garlic?
The garlic should be sautéed gently for about 3 minutes until it is soft and fragrant.
Should the garlic be browned?
No, you should take care not to let the garlic brown, as this can lead to a bitter flavor that overpowers the delicate spring vegetables.
How long do the green peas take to cook?
The peas typically take about 4 minutes of cooking until they are bright green and just tender.
What is the purpose of adding a tablespoon of water with the lettuce?
The small amount of water creates a bit of steam, which helps to quickly wilt the lettuce without overcooking it or the other ingredients.
Why is the skillet removed from the heat before adding the lettuce?
Butter lettuce is very delicate; removing the heat prevents it from becoming soggy and ensures it only just wilts from the residual heat.
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
While butter lettuce is preferred for its sweetness, you could use other tender greens like Gem lettuce or baby spinach.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is best served immediately while warm for the most optimal texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian as it focuses on fresh vegetables and butter.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply substitute the butter with a high-quality vegan butter alternative or a light olive oil.
What size skillet is recommended?
A 12-inch skillet is recommended to provide enough surface area to sauté the peas and toss the lettuce effectively.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not specified, the use of two small heads of lettuce and 1.5 cups of peas typically serves 2 to 4 people as a side dish.
What are some good pairing suggestions for this dish?
It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a light spring pasta.
Can I add salt to this recipe?
While the recipe specifies black pepper, you should season with salt to taste alongside the pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the peas.
What is the best way to slice green garlic?
Thinly slice both the white and the tender light green parts of the stalks for the best flavor and texture.
Can I use dried peas for this?
No, this recipe specifically requires fresh green peas to achieve the intended sweet and crisp result.
Is this a gluten-free dish?
Yes, all the ingredients listed—butter, garlic, peas, and lettuce—are naturally gluten-free.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day, but the lettuce will lose its texture. Reheat very gently to avoid overcooking the peas.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: butter, green garlic, green peas, butter lettuce, and black pepper.
Is this recipe difficult to make?
No, it is considered an easy, one-pan recipe that can be completed in approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either will work, but if using salted butter, be mindful of how much extra seasoning you add at the end.
What is the core of the lettuce?
The core is the tough, bitter stem at the base of the lettuce head which should be removed before tearing the leaves.
Can I add herbs to this dish?
Yes, fresh mint or chives would be an excellent addition and complement the spring flavors perfectly.
What makes this a 'spring' recipe?
It features three ingredients at their peak during spring: fresh green peas, tender butter lettuce, and young green garlic.
Should the peas be crunchy or soft?
They should be 'just tender,' meaning they still have a slight pop and firmness rather than being mushy.