Buttered Peas
Frozen peas cooked briefly in butter with a pinch of sugar and a few mint leaves. Four servings in 8 minutes.
Before You Start
Do not overcook; they turn grey and mealy.
Add mint just before serving.
A squeeze of lemon sharpens them.
Making Buttered Peas
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Put the peas, water and sugar in a saucepan, cover and bring to a boil over medium heat.
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Cook for 3 minutes, until the peas are hot and bright green.
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Drain, return to the pan and toss with the butter and salt until melted.
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Stir in the mint and serve at once.
What's Going On Here
Overcooking is the only way to ruin them. Frozen peas are picked and frozen within hours, so they are already sweet and tender, and need only 3 or 4 minutes of heat.
Cook them in a small amount of water, just enough to cover the base of the pan, with the lid on. Steam does the work, and less water means more flavour stays in the peas.
A pinch of sugar brings out the sweetness. It is not enough to taste sugary; it simply raises what is already there.
Add the butter after draining, while the peas are hot. It melts in a few seconds and coats each pea. Mint leaves, torn at the last moment, give freshness. Dried mint tastes of tea and should be avoided. Frozen peas keep for months and cost very little, which is why they appear alongside so many dishes. For a more substantial side, stir in a spoon of cream or a handful of chopped ham at the end.
After You've Cooked It
Best eaten straight away. They keep in the fridge for 1 day but lose their colour.
What to Serve Alongside
- Fish and chips
- Roast chicken
- Pies
- Sausages and mash
Questions and Answers
How long does Buttered Peas take to make?
About 8 minutes in total — 2 minutes of preparation and 6 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 4.
What are the key tips for making Buttered Peas?
Do not overcook; they turn grey and mealy. Add mint just before serving. A squeeze of lemon sharpens them.
What should I serve with Buttered Peas?
Fish and chips; Roast chicken; Pies; Sausages and mash.
Is Buttered Peas suitable for a special diet?
This recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, low-carb and keto. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.
How many calories are in Buttered Peas?
About 112 kcal per serving, with 5 g protein, 14 g carbohydrate and 4 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.
The Numbers per Serving
Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.
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Written and tested by Turab
One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.
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