Peas with Mint and Bacon

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Sautéed peas with mint is a classic recipe that’s a beautiful reminder of the power of simple, fresh ingredients. Here, I added more fresh herbs and smokey, salty bacon for a side dish that’s perfect for Spring.

Overhead view of a white serving bowl filled with peas, bacon, and fresh herbs.

What you’ll love about this recipe:


  • Fresh, Seasonal Flavor: This recipe celebrates the arrival of spring by showcasing one of its earliest and most delicious bounties – fresh peas.
  • Nutrient-Rich. Peas are packed with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, providing a nutritious boost to your meal.
  • Under 100 calories and 5 net carbs per serving, naturally gluten-free, and whole 30 compliant (if you use uncured, sugar-free bacon.)

Take Peas from Basic to Boujie

As the days grow warmer and the first signs of spring begin to emerge, my thoughts usually turn to vegetables. There’s no better way to celebrate the arrival of this beautiful season than with one of its first bounties: peas!

Peas are usually shoved to the sidelines, but peas a versatile and delicious veggie that deserves their moment in the spotlight!

Sautéing peas in bacon fat and tossing them with crispy bacon and loads of fresh herbs is a fantastic way to add a touch of elegance to your springtime table.

If fresh peas aren’t in season where you are yet, don’t worry. I’ll show you how to make this recipe with fresh peas or frozen ones, so you can enjoy it year-round!

Ingredients needed to make this recipe: peas, mint, scallions, parsley, bacon, and shallot.

Ingredients and Substitutions

Green Peas (fresh or frozen): Sweet peas are the star of this recipe, bringing a burst of freshness and vibrant color to the table. When they’re available, fresh peas are wonderful. I save myself time by purchasing small bags of them that have already been shelled (look for them in the refrigerator section, usually near the bagged salads.) If fresh peas aren’t available, frozen peas are a great alternative! I like to grab the bag marked “sweet peas” rather than the standard peas (sometimes labelled garden peas), since they tends to be smaller, more tender, and have a milder flavor.

Bacon: Smoky bacon complements the sweetness of the peas so well. What’s better than peas cooked in bacon fat? For the best flavor and texture, look for thick cut bacon without too much fat. If you prefer a vegetarian option, leave the bacon out and cook the peas in a tablespoon or two of olive oil or your favorite neutral cooking oil.

Shallot: I love shallots because they have a sweeter, milder flavor than onion. Choose shallots that are firm, heavy for their size, and free of soft spots or sprouting. If you don’t have shallots on hand, you can substitute them with a tablespoon of finely minced yellow onion.

Fresh Mint, Parsley, and Scallions: Fresh herbs are key to achieving the fresh, vibrant flavor of this recipe, so don’t be temped to swap them out for dried versions. To select the best herbs, look for bunches with bright green leaves without signs of yellowing or wilting. You can use flat-leaf (Italian) or curly parsley in this recipe, but I prefer the texture of flat-leaf. Chives can be used in place of the scallions (green onions.)

Sautéing shallot and onion.
Adding the frozen peas.

How to make it

If you’re using fresh peas, you’ll need to start by cooking them. Bring a shallow pan of salted water to a boil and add the peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until they’re bright green. Immediately remove them from the heat and drain them. To stop the cooking process, run cold water over the peas or add them to a bowl of ice water.

Cook the bacon. Starting in a cool pan, cook the bacon until it crisps up and the fat renders. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons of bacon grease from the pan.

Sautee the shallot in the bacon grease for a minute or two, until it softens.

Add the peas and cook until warmed through.

Toss the peas with the fresh mint, parsley, and scallions. Season to taste with salt.

Pro Tip: Cooking Fresh Peas

Peas cook very quickly, so it’s easy to overdo it. I don’t know about you, but I don’t like mushy peas! For perfect peas with a slightly firm texture and a vibrant green color, blanch the peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, until they turn bright green, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process.



Peas with Mint and Bacon 1
Leave the bacon out for a vegetarian version of this recipe!

Commonly asked questions

How to store Leftovers

Leftover will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the dish in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving. However, for the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to serve the dish immediately after cooking.

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen peas if fresh peas are not available. Frozen peas are flash-frozen at peak ripeness, so they retain their sweetness and tenderness.

How do I choose the best fresh peas?

Select bright green, firm, and full pods. Avoid pods with blemishes, bruising, or yellowing.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

This recipe is all about the fresh herbs. I do not recommend substituting dried herbs for this.

What should I serve this dish with?

Peas with mint and bacon goes well with roasted meat, like my rump roast recipe or air fryer rotisserie chicken. It’s also great as a side dish for grilled proteins.

More vegetable side dish ideas

Close up image of peas with mint in a white bowl with a serving spoon.
Overhead view of a white serving bowl filled with peas, bacon, and fresh herbs.

Peas with mint and bacon

Indulge in the flavors of spring with this recipe for peas with mint and bacon, an elegant addition to any meal.
5
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: peas with mint, sauteed peas
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 91kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces green peas fresh or frozen
  • 3 slices bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 shallot minced
  • ¼ cup fresh mint finely chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 2 scallions thinly sliced
  • sea salt to taste

Instructions

  • If using fresh peas, start by bringing a shallow pan with 1-2 inches of salted with to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2 minutes, or until they turn bright green. Immediately remove them from the heat and transfer them to an ice bath or run cold water over them to stop the cooking process.
  • Add the bacon to a large skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 8-9 minutes, or until it begins to crisp.
  • Stir in the minced shallot and cook 1-2 minutes, until softened.
  • Add the cooked fresh peas or frozen peas and stir until heated through.
  • Remove from the heat and add in the mint, parsley, and scallions. Season to taste with sea salt.
Nutrition Facts
Peas with mint and bacon
Amount Per Serving (1 serving)
Calories 91 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Fat 5g8%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 7mg2%
Sodium 78mg3%
Potassium 187mg5%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 696IU14%
Vitamin C 24mg29%
Calcium 25mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @HealthyDelish or tag #HealthyDelish!
lauren

Hi, I'm Lauren!

I'm a certified plant-based cook and enthusiastic omnivore who loves looking for creative ways to make weeknight meals more nutritious. I'm the author of Heathy Eating One Pot Cookbook and Healthy Meal Prep Slow Cooker Cookbook. I also blog at The Busy Foodie. Read more...

 

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