{Recipe: Peas with Orange and Mint}

I’d never really thought about this until now, but peas just might be my favorite vegetable.  Even as a child, I would eat bowls and bowls of peas.  Reaching over the table, I’d take handfuls of them and begin tossing them in my mouth, as if they were popcorn.  It’s a little embarassing to admit this, but even now, as an adult, I will sometimes scoop out a bunch from the freezer and eat them uncooked.  Yes, I love peas that much.

Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been working on the Thanksgiving dinner menu.  Unlike past years, I am going to do my best to keep the meal simple and rustic.  When I came across this recipe in Saveur, I immediately added it to the list.  The mint and citrus will go wonderfully with roast turkey (or, if you plan on mixing it up, lamb or pork).  I can’t wait to serve these with some potatoes (regular or sweet would be delightful) and watch the faces of my dinner guests light up.

Peas with Orange and Mint

from the November 2011 issue of Saveur

SERVES 6–8

Ingredients

4 tbsp. unsalted butter

2 large shallots, thinly sliced

4 cups frozen green peas

¼ cup fresh orange juice

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

3 tbsp. finely chopped mint

Peeled zest of 1 orange, julienned

Directions
Heat butter in a 12″ skillet over medium-high heat; add shallots, and cook, stirring often, until soft, about 4 minutes. Add peas, juice, and salt and pepper, and cook, stirring, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mint and orange peel before serving.
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Karin @yum and moreNovember 15, 2011 - 5:19 pm

beautidul, simple, delightful! uummm I can smell and taste it straight from the recipe.

foodwanderingsNovember 15, 2011 - 5:38 pm

While you are keeping Thanksgiving simple mine is getting very complicated. I need it reimagined and reinvented GF. Meanwhile this recipe sounds fantastic and I don;t use peas often enough.

MikeVFMKNovember 15, 2011 - 6:54 pm

I’ve never liked peas. It goes back to my childhood days (don’t ask) but these flavours do look good. And loving your pics!

Rosie @ SweetapolitaNovember 15, 2011 - 7:52 pm

Believe it or not, I love every green vegetable, peas included. I adore the simplicity of this recipe combined with the unique twist. Stunning photos, as always. xo

Kiri W.November 15, 2011 - 8:16 pm

Interesting! I’ve never had either mint or orange with my peas, but it sounds like a great refreshing dish :)

Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.November 15, 2011 - 8:40 pm

what a great combination! And healthy too…

Baker StreetNovember 15, 2011 - 9:00 pm

Wow! Simple and just perfect. Love that its healthy too! Love your 2nd picture. :)

Sylvie @ Gourmande in the KitchenNovember 16, 2011 - 3:27 am

I’ve always loved peas, especially when paired with mint. Beautiful side dish.

sreebinduNovember 16, 2011 - 8:08 am

Mint combo sounds minty and yummy! simple yet elegant to look at ;)

GeorgieNovember 16, 2011 - 8:53 am

There’s nothing better than a simple, yet tasty dish! This one is at the top of the list.

WinnieNovember 16, 2011 - 10:26 am

This is so simple and beautiful Brian. Love peas and mint!

Jen @ My Kitchen AddictionNovember 16, 2011 - 11:32 am

I’m not normally a fan of peas, but you may have converted me. I really want to dig in to that bowl!!

Diane {Created by Diane}November 16, 2011 - 2:14 pm

this sounds delicious!

Christine @ Fresh Local BestNovember 16, 2011 - 4:20 pm

This dish is so simple, fresh and beautiful! I happen to have all the ingredients at home, so I’m looking forward to trying this recipe.

Andrew FrishmanNovember 16, 2011 - 8:11 pm

Mmnn. . . I LOVES me some minty peas.

El dinero no acaba de llegar de la menta.

Lora @cakeduchessNovember 16, 2011 - 10:23 pm

I can’t wait to hear what you are making. A light and fresh dish for Thanksgiving. Love the pretty photos.xx

joanneNovember 17, 2011 - 7:50 am

I NEVER eat peas straight from the freezer (and by never I mean…all the time.) Peas are actually one of the few veggies my family can agree to like so I really should give this a go on T-Day!

Are you making a vegetarian entree? I need ideas!

barbara fischerNovember 17, 2011 - 11:34 am

Great recipe. Thanks for sharing. Looks delicious and easy to prepare

SukainaNovember 17, 2011 - 12:26 pm

It never fails to put a smile on my face when I see my duaghter scooping up peas by teh handful and stuffing them in her mouth. I on the other hand, liek them but just not enough to eat them raw from the freezer :) Great looking side dish Brian

Professor VegetableNovember 17, 2011 - 2:14 pm

I love minted peas. I’ve never heard of or thought of adding orange! What a great combo. Beautiful pictures!

Russell van KraayenburgNovember 17, 2011 - 8:38 pm

Hi, top 9 twin! These are very pretty pictures, Brian. I have a question. Do fresh peas exist? Because I don’t think I’ve ever come across them in the store or a recipe calling for them.

bea at La tartine gourmandeNovember 18, 2011 - 7:59 am

Can I come for dinner? Delicious soft photos!

[...] seeing the beautiful presentation and yummy preparation of these peas on Brian Samuel’s A Thought for Food blog gave me an idea. Would anyone in the family say anything if we did a slight variation on the [...]

RhondaNovember 18, 2011 - 9:49 am

Peas and mint go so well together, I usually do mine with honey. this year I’m doing an “orange” theme for Thanksgiving, these would be a perfect side. Buzzed ya.

Tori @eatoriNovember 18, 2011 - 1:04 pm

Just gorgeous. Peas are my favourite vegetable too. Lately I’ve been playing with a dip for prosciutto crostini made from frozen peas, fetta, mint and lemon. But I think it would also be glorious with orange. Thank you!

Alaiyo KiasiNovember 19, 2011 - 12:36 am

It’s a food paradox, of sorts, that a few green peas sprinkled into (for example) white rice will make for a more visually appealing and tasty dish. However, any quantity of green peas alone is boring. Your dish is the answer, since orange and mint are both brightening flavors. I love this idea.

Alaiyo

chinmayie @ love food eatNovember 20, 2011 - 11:30 am

Love the style of those photos! I can never work with colours like that! Beautiful :)

[...] cooking such a feast, I try to use recipes that require minimal preparation.  There are the peas with orange and mint, decadent cocoa brownies, and now these carrots: buttery, sweet, peppery… utterly [...]

Brandon @ Kitchen KonfidenceNovember 28, 2011 - 5:39 pm

I’ve prepared peas in the past with mint and lemon. I like the idea of mint and orange.

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