Skip to main content

Peas with Bacon

I found versions of this dish on menus across America, Italian and non-Italian. I guess everybody loves its appealing flavors. It is delicious made with frozen peas, but when I was a child, my grandma made it only with the sweetest first pods of peas. I also remember that it was my job to shell them, and I ate quite a few of those raw peas. Pancetta is pork belly cured with salt, pepper, and other seasonings, then made into a roll, but not smoked like bacon. You can substitute bacon or Canadian bacon for the pancetta, and substitute fresh peas for frozen.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 ounces pancetta, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 pound frozen peas, thawed, or 1 pound fresh peas blanched for 5 minutes
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the olive oil, pancetta, and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the pancetta fat is rendered, about 5 to 7 minutes.

    Step 2

    Pour in the peas. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and peas are tender and flavored with the pancetta. Stir in the pine nuts. Cook and toss for a minute, then serve.

Cover of the cookbook featuring the author with a table full of fresh herbs and vegetables.
Reprinted with permission from Lidia's Italy in America by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Copyright © 2011 by Lidia Matticchio Bastianich and Tanya Bastianich Manuali. Excerpted by permission of Knopf, a division of Random House, Inc. All rights reserved. Buy the full book from Amazon or Bookshop.
Read More
Like “absolutely decadent” chocolate pudding and fattoush salad.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
For Derby Day indulgence or a post-Thanksgiving lunch, this Kentucky favorite can’t be beat.