Petits Pois à La Française - French Style Peas

French Tart's Note:

A delicious combination of peas, onions and lettuce which are gently poached in a buttery sauce with crème fraiche and vegetable stock; this classic French recipe is a wonderful way to serve tender little peas, petits pois. This recipe makes a delightful accompaniment to any type of main meal, and adds a real splash of colour. I have stated fresh OR frozen peas in the recipe - frozen peas can be used to great effect out of season. In the absence of small silverskin onions, spring onions (green onions) can be used, making this a very versatile recipe to serve throughout the year. Cut back on the butter if you are on a low fat diet - the taste will be less rich, but still as delicious!

• Total Time: 20 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 ounces butter
• 16 small white pearl onions (green onions) or 4 spring onions , chopped (green onions)
• 1 small iceberg lettuce , thickly sliced
• 1 teaspoon caster sugar
• ¼ pint vegetable stock
• 1 lb fresh peas, weight after being podded or 1 lb frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons creme fraiche
• 2 -4 stalks fresh mint

Directions:

1. Gently heat the butter in a large saucepan and add the onions and lettuce. Cook over a medium heat for 5 minutes until the onions and lettuce soft but not coloured. If the pan gets too hot just add a little vegetable stock.
2. Pour in the vegetable stock and add the caster sugar, bring to the boil and continue to cook on a fast boil for a further 3 minutes. Taste and season with a salt and black pepper.
3. Add the fresh or frozen peas to the stock with the onions and lettuce. Cook over a low to medium heat for 10 minutes for the fresh peas or 5 minutes for the frozen peas - or until they are cooked through, but NOT mushy or too soft; they should still retain their vibrant green colour and have a "bite" to them.
4. Just before the end of the cooking time - add the creme fraiche and gently mix; allow to heat through for about 1 to 2 minutes. Check the seasoning once more and adjust to taste.
5. Serve immediately with the sprigs of fresh mint on top.

Reviews

[BakinBaby]

Made for ZWT5, The Epicurean Queen Team. We love peas and this will certainly go into the make again folder. Merveilleux!!! Made as directed and enjoyed trying the creme fraiche.

[Rita~]

Merveilleux! Just wonderful! This was part of our Menu #28651. So east to put together. I did use 1/2 a head of iceberg. I did use only 1/4 cup of stock. Part of our Menu #28651. Merci Beaucoup! Made for ZWT5.

[Mrs.Jack]

Oh my goodness-I never knew peas could be this DELICIOUS! I used frozen peas and sour cream. Everyone loved these peas-I was proud to serve them to family and friends! Thank you for a great recipe, French Tart!!!