Oh, Thanksgiving! Just thinking about it fills my heart with so much warmth… and maybe a little bit of organized chaos in the kitchen! But you know what always brings a smile to my face and tastes like pure holiday joy? A perfectly simple side of Thanksgiving Peas. This isn’t just any pea dish; it’s the kind that reminds you of cozy family dinners and that feeling of togetherness. My own version is super quick, relying on the freshest ingredients to really make those little green gems shine. It’s my go-to for a reason it’s so easy to whip up, even when the turkey’s demanding all my attention!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to adore this simple pea side for so many reasons:
- Super Quick: Seriously, it only takes minutes!
- Bursting with Flavor: The mint and butter make them taste amazing.
- Versatile: Goes with pretty much anything on your holiday table.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually gobble these up!
Gather Your Ingredients for Thanksgiving Peas
Alright, let’s get our ingredients ready for these delightful Thanksgiving Peas! This recipe is all about keeping things simple and letting the fresh flavors shine. You probably have most of this stuff kicking around your kitchen already, which is a huge win on a busy holiday!
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 kg frozen peas, thawed: I like using frozen because they’re just as good as fresh these days, and *so* much more convenient for holiday prep. Just make sure they’re thawed out before we start.
- 2 tbsp butter: Good old butter! It’s the base for so much flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint: This is the secret weapon, trust me! Don’t skip the fresh mint, it makes all the difference.
- 1 tsp salt, or to taste: We want to season it up just right.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste: Freshly ground always has the best kick!
Essential Equipment for Making Thanksgiving Peas
Honestly, this recipe is a lifesaver because you don’t need much! It proves you can make something delicious without a fancy setup. All you really need are a few basics from your kitchen drawers.
Here’s what we’ll be using:
- A good saucepan for doing the actual cooking.
- A trusty knife and cutting board for chopping up that lovely fresh mint.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Thanksgiving Peas
Okay, get ready, because we’re about to make the most delicious Thanksgiving Peas with hardly any effort! Honestly, this recipe is so straightforward, you can practically make it with your eyes closed (though, I wouldn’t recommend that when the stove is on!). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a perfect side dish that’s bursting with flavor in no time.
Melting the Butter
First things first, let’s get our saucepan over medium heat. Toss in that lovely butter and let it melt. You want it nice and liquid, just starting to get a little bubbly, but definitely not browned!
Cooking the Thanksgiving Peas
Once the butter’s melted, add in your thawed peas. Give them a good stir to coat them in that buttery goodness. Let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You just want them nice and heated through – no mushy peas here! Keep an eye on them so they don’t get overdone.
Adding Fresh Flavors
Now for the magic! Gently stir in your chopped fresh mint, salt, and that freshly ground black pepper. Give it all a good mix so the mint is distributed evenly and everything is nicely seasoned. Just a quick stir is all it needs.
Serving Your Thanksgiving Peas
And that’s it! Spoon these beautiful, bright Thanksgiving Peas straight into your serving dish. They’re best served right away while they’re warm and vibrant. Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Thanksgiving Peas
You know, getting these Thanksgiving Peas just right is all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. It’s not complicated at all, but paying attention to these details really elevates them from just “peas” to something truly special for your holiday table. My goal is always to make sure they’re bright, flavorful, and taste like sunshine! For more tips on making holiday cooking a breeze, check out my About Me page. And if you’re ever looking for other amazing side dishes, these Crispy Vegan Chickpeas are a huge hit!
First off, don’t be afraid of the fresh mint! It’s totally the star here. If you can, use fresh – the flavor just can’t be beat. Chop it finely so you get little bursts of freshness in every bite. Also, make sure your peas are thawed properly. If they’re still a bit icy, they’ll water down the dish and won’t heat through as evenly.
And seriously, taste as you go! A little extra pinch of salt or pepper can make all the difference. Cooking is all about adjusting, right?
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Let’s chat about the peas and mint, because these are the stars, and sometimes we need to get a little creative in the kitchen, right? My go-to for these Thanksgiving Peas is always frozen, thawed peas. Honestly, they’re just so convenient and they hold their bright green color so beautifully! But if you happen to find some amazing fresh peas at the market, go for it! Just make sure to shell them first, of course.
Now, about that mint – it’s what really makes these peas special. But if mint really isn’t your jam, or you can’t find any, a little bit of finely chopped fresh parsley or even a tiny pinch of dill can work too! It won’t be quite the same zing, but it’ll still be delicious. If you want something a bit richer, you could always swap out some of the butter for a splash of heavy cream – that’s a secret we’ll keep between us! For more yummy side dish ideas, you should definitely peek at my Sweet Potato Feta Crumble recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Peas
Got questions about whipping up these lovely Thanksgiving Peas? I’ve got you covered! Making holiday meals should be fun, not stressful, and for more tips on how I approach cooking check out my About Me page. Let’s clear up any little doubts you might have.
Can I make Thanksgiving Peas ahead of time?
You absolutely can! I’d cook them right before serving for the brightest flavor, but if you need to get ahead, cook them and then gently reheat them on the stove with a touch more butter. It’s a lifesaver when you’re juggling so many things on Thanksgiving Day!
What are the best peas to use for Thanksgiving?
For the absolute best results with Thanksgiving Peas, I really recommend good quality frozen peas. They’re convenient and keep that beautiful bright green color and sweet flavor. Fresh peas are great too, but they require a bit more prep work for the holiday rush!
How can I make my Thanksgiving Peas more flavorful?
Besides the mint and butter we already use, you can kick up the flavor even more! Try adding a clove of minced garlic along with the butter, or a little lemon zest at the end for brightness. A tiny splash of heavy cream stirred in with the mint is also divine for extra richness in your Thanksgiving Peas.
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Peas
Just a little heads-up, the nutrition facts for these yummy peas are just estimates, folks! They can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how much you decide to sprinkle in (I won’t tell if you go a little heavy on the salt!). But generally, a serving of these lovely peas is pretty light and packs a good punch of vitamins. For more lighter options, check out my Calorie Smart Recipes!
- Calories: Around 100-150 per serving
- Fat: 5-10g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Share Your Thanksgiving Peas Creations!
I absolutely LOVE seeing your kitchen adventures! Did you make these amazing Thanksgiving Peas? Spill the beans in the comments below! I’d love to hear how they turned out for you, or if you added any fun twists. And hey, if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media! Seeing your creations makes my day. Also, if you enjoyed these peas, you’ll probably love my Quick & Easy Keto Recipes for more holiday inspiration!
Thanksgiving Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the thawed peas to the saucepan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir in the chopped mint, salt, and pepper.
- Serve immediately.