Ricette di Sicilia
Cibo, cultura e tradizioni siciliane
Peas with Ham: A Classic Sicilian Side Dish
Discover how to make delicious peas with ham, a simple yet elegant side that suits any occasion!
📖 What is it
Discover how to make delicious peas with ham, a simple yet elegant side that suits any occasion!
🛒 Ingredients
- ✓ 500g peas
- ✓ 50g cooked ham
- ✓ 1 onion
- ✓ vegetable stock
- ✓ butter
- ✓ salt
- ✓ freshly ground black pepper
- ✓ extra virgin olive oil
📊 Nutritional Information
Let yourself be carried away by the authentic aromas of Sicily with these peas and ham, a side dish that brings to mind family tables and lazy Sunday lunches. The natural sweetness of the peas blends beautifully with the savoury ham, creating a harmonious balance of flavours that’s both straightforward and rich — perfect alongside roasts and traditional meat dishes from our region.
👨🍳 Preparation
- 1
Gently fry the sliced onion in extra virgin olive oil along with the diced cooked ham.
- 2
Add the peas, season with a pinch of salt and a generous grind of black pepper.
- 3
Stir everything together and finish cooking with a splash of vegetable stock and a knob of butter until the peas are tender.
💡 Tips and Variations
- •
For an extra flavour boost, sprinkle some grated Sicilian pecorino cheese over the dish just before serving.
- •
If you prefer a more intense taste, swap the cooked ham for quality cured ham, which adds a deeper, richer note.
- •
Use a non-stick pan to prevent the peas from sticking and to keep their delicate texture intact during cooking.
- •
For a lighter, vegetarian version, simply leave out the ham and add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil along with fresh herbs like thyme or parsley.
- •
To enhance the umami, lightly sauté a clove of garlic in the oil before adding the peas and ham, intensifying the dish’s aromas.
- •
The secret to this recipe lies in slow, gentle cooking, allowing the flavours to meld without losing the freshness of the ingredients.
📦 Storage
- • Store the peas with ham in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep their freshness and flavour for up to two days.
- • When reheating, warm gently in a pan over low heat to avoid the peas becoming mushy, or use short bursts in the microwave.
- • Avoid freezing this side dish, as the peas’ delicate texture may suffer, affecting the final result.
🍷 Pairing
To complement the sweetness and subtlety of this dish, opt for a Sicilian white wine such as Grillo, which is fresh and fragrant. Alternatively, a light Catarratto or a Sicilian Vermentino pairs beautifully. If you’d like to explore wines from outside the region, an Italian Sauvignon Blanc or a young French Chardonnay would also work wonderfully.
Making peas with ham is like bringing a little slice of Sicily to your table — simple, wholesome, and utterly comforting. I warmly encourage you to give this recipe a go; it’s perfect for sharing delicious moments with your loved ones. Don’t forget to share your experience and spread this lovely culinary tradition with friends and family using the share buttons below.
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