This delicious zesty Mediterranean Green Peas and Bacon recipe is the perfect side dish for any gatherings. Serve them with your favorite fish, seafood, or meat!
What is the best season to make this recipe?
Mediterranean Peas with Bacon is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed year-round.
However, I love to make them during spring and summer seasons, when fresh peas are in season (for example, I get my fresh peas from the garden during late spring and summer).
The vibrant green color and sweet flavor of freshly picked peas give this dish a whole new level of taste.
What are the health benefits of this dish?
Not only is this dish a feast of flavors, but it also has lots of nutrients.
Green peas are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them a healthy choice for a side dish.
They are an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients such as vitamin K, vitamin C, and folate.
Bacon adds a savory flavor while providing a small dose of protein and essential fats.
Lemons are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
Where can I buy the required ingredients?
You can easily find the ingredients for this peas with bacon recipe at your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
Fresh peas are typically available in the produce section, especially during spring and summer months.
Bacon, garlic, lemon, salt, and pepper are pantry staples that can be found in the meat and spice aisles of your favorite supermarket.
What if I can’t find fresh peas?
If fresh peas are not available, you can buy frozen peas, which are just as delicious and nutritious.
The only thing that you will need to do is simply to allow the peas to thaw naturally, because soaking them in water can result in sogginess.
Can I substitute any of the ingredients?
You can always customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can omit the bacon and add smoked paprika or sun-dried tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, or red pepper flakes to add a unique twist to the dish.
Sometimes, I love to add lime zest instead of lemon. It gives a nice citrusy flavor. 🙂
Can I make this dish part of a menu?
Absolutely! These Peas with Bacon pair beautifully with a variety of dishes and can be incorporated into a Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Serve it as an appetizer to go with my delicious Bacon Quiche or Poached Salmon in White Wine as your main dish.
For a dessert, go with my Apple Cinanamon Cake, Raspberry Pavlova, or Strawberry Blackberry Pavlova.
Which drinks pair well with this dish?
To complement the vibrant flavors of this Mediterranean peas with bacon dish, I recommend light and refreshing beverages such as white wine, sparkling water, or a citrus-infused cocktail.
The crisp acidity of a Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio or Portuguese Encruzado will balance the richness of the bacon and enhance the freshness of the peas.
For non-alcoholic options, try homemade lemonade or iced herbal tea infused with mint and cucumber.
How long can I store the leftovers?
If you have any leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Simply reheat the peas in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent them from drying out.
Recipe tips & tricks:
- For extra flavor, sauté the garlic in the bacon fat before adding the peas to the skillet. You can find this step in my video. 😉
- Be sure not to overcook the peas, as they can become mushy. They should be tender, yet still have a slight crunch.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables.
- Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor.
This Mediterranean Peas with Bacon recipe is a great side dish that you can easily make in 15 minutes!
Made this recipe?
Please share your thoughts about this recipe in the comments below. What did you like the most? Did you make any modifications?
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