Name: Creamy Peas with Ham and Onion
Total time: PLACEHOLDER
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 ounces ham steak, cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 1 red onion, halved and sliced thin; 2/3 cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves or parsley; 1 pound frozen peas, not thawed

Why This Recipe Works

When developing our Creamy Peas with Ham and Onion recipe, we wanted to find a method for cooking and flavoring the peas at the same time. We found that simply simmering the peas in a flavorful sauce allowed them to quickly absorb the sauce’s flavor. To intensify the flavor of the peas, we added a sweet ingredient like red onions. Finally, we liked the way the ham’s salty flavor contrasted with the sweet peas.

Before You Begin

Because the cream is reduced to the proper consistency before the peas are added to the pan, the peas should be cooked with the cover on. The ham and onion add plenty of sweetness, so this recipe doesn’t require any sugar.

Instructions

Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ham and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook until soft and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes.

Add cream, tarragon, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to simmer and cook until cream just begins to thicken, about 3 minutes. Stir in peas, cover, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper and serve.