Spicy Italian Peas and Eggs Delight
This Spicy Italian Peas and Eggs Delight offers a harmonious blend of flavors that transforms a humble can of peas into a delightful culinary experience. Infused with robust olive oil, fragrant onions, and a hint of spice, this dish is sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike. The soft, simmered eggs take on the savory juices, making it perfect for sopping up with crusty Italian bread. This recipe hails from my father-in-law’s family, demonstrating how simple ingredients can create a heartwarming, nutritious meal. Enjoy it as a side dish to complement meat entrees, or savor it on its own for a light yet filling option. It’s an ideal way to sneak more vegetables into your family’s diet!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 small (minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (for braising)
canned peas
1 (15 ounce) can (with juice)
crushed red pepper flakes
to taste
eggs
4 (cracked into pan)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the minced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
3
Stir in crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference, allowing the flavors to meld for an additional minute.
4
Pour in the can of peas along with its juice, and stir gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
5
Using a spoon, create small wells for the eggs in the boiling mixture. Crack eggs into these wells, being careful not to break the yolks.
6
Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to low, allowing the eggs to poach in the simmering pea mixture for about 5 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked to your desired doneness.
7
Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, preferably with fresh Italian bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Italian Peas and Eggs Delight?
This dish is a flavorful combination of canned peas, sautéed onions, and poached eggs infused with olive oil and red pepper flakes.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need a small onion, olive oil, a can of peas with juice, crushed red pepper flakes, four eggs, salt, and pepper.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely minced before being sautéed.
What kind of peas are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of peas, used along with its liquid.
Do I need to drain the peas before cooking?
No, do not drain the peas; the juice is essential for poaching the eggs and creating the sauce.
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses three tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing and braising.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?
Yes, you can add the crushed red pepper flakes according to your personal spice preference.
How many eggs are included in the recipe?
The recipe specifies using four eggs.
How do I add the eggs to the pea mixture?
Use a spoon to create small wells in the boiling pea mixture and carefully crack the eggs into those spaces.
How long do the eggs need to cook?
Poach the eggs for about five minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Should the pan be covered while the eggs cook?
Yes, covering the saucepan helps poach the eggs evenly in the simmering liquid.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served immediately, ideally with fresh Italian bread for dipping into the juices and yolks.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious meal that is an excellent way to include more vegetables in your diet.
Can children enjoy this meal?
Yes, it is designed to satisfy both kids and adults, though you may want to limit the pepper flakes for children.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe is a family tradition from the creator's father-in-law.
Can I use fresh peas instead of canned?
While canned peas are traditional for this version, you could use fresh peas if you add a sufficient amount of water or broth.
What type of bread is recommended?
Crusty Italian bread is highly recommended to sop up the savory juices.
How do I know when the onions are finished sautéing?
Sauté the minced onion for 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Yes, it is a versatile recipe that allows you to sneak in additional vegetables if desired.
Is this a side dish or a main course?
It can be served as a side dish to meat entrees or enjoyed as a light yet filling main meal.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from breaking?
Crack the eggs carefully into the prepared wells and avoid stirring the mixture once the eggs are added.
Can I use butter instead of olive oil?
While butter can be used, olive oil provides the robust, authentic Italian flavor intended for this recipe.
When should I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste once the dish is removed from the heat, just before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only vegetables, eggs, and seasonings.
Can the recipe be doubled?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients using a larger saucepan to accommodate more eggs.
How long does the total preparation take?
The entire process takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, but you will need to add about a cup of liquid (water or vegetable stock) to replace the juice found in canned peas.
What heat setting is used for poaching the eggs?
Reduce the heat to low once the eggs are added and the pan is covered.
Can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be refrigerated, but the dish is best enjoyed fresh to ensure the eggs have the best texture.
Does this recipe contain many calories?
This is a relatively light meal, though the specific calorie count depends on the exact ingredients used.