Favorite Shelled Pea Sides — Summer Fest

Creamy Spring Peas and Pancetta

FoodNetwork_03_059.tif

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Anna Williams

Anna Williams

Peas are good popped straight from the pod, but they're even better with a little TLC. Here at Food Network, FN Dish is lining up our top pea sides, each popping with a whole lot more than color. Sweet peas, garden peas, English peas, whatever you choose to call 'em — these babies are bright, light and in-season.

Food Network Magazine's Creamy Spring Peas with Pancetta (pictured above) comes with three doses of peas: shelled English peas, sugar snap peas and snow peas.

Your classic mashed potatoes are revisited in this Tyler Florence recipe for Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon and Pearl Onions, and serve as a solid side to a grilled steak.

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude 
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

FoodNetwork_02_040.tif

Food Stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Anna Williams

Anna Williams

Spring Peas with Dates and Walnuts utilizes the same pea trilogy, but this time integrates a natural sweetness from the dried fruit.

It turns out Peas and Prosciutto work well together in this recipe by Giada De Laurentiis, which derives a rounded flavor from the cured meat.

RISOTTO_PEAS_015.tif

Photo by: Antonis Achilleos

Antonis Achilleos

Food Network Magazine's Risotto with Pesto and Peas is also a luxurious way to integrate the in-season veggie, with fresh mozzarella, grated Parmesan and diced ham.

Food stylist: Stephana Bottom
Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

09_Orzo_085.tif

Food stylist: Stephana Bottom Prop Stylist: Marina Malchin

Photo by: Con Poulos ©2010. Con Poulos Photography

Con Poulos , 2010. Con Poulos Photography

Food Network Magazine's recipe for Pesto Orzo with Peas may call for the frozen stuff, but swap in fresh. Use store-bought pesto for an easy weeknight side, or even a main dish.

The moral of the story? Keep your shriveled frozen peas in the bag for the cold months. These days, peas are nothing but garden-fresh.

More pea recipes from friends and family:

Weelicious: Peas and Pasta

Next Up

Eat Your Spinach Sides — Fall Fest

This season, grab baby or big-leaf spinach by the handful, for more reason than the ample health benefits. Whether you disguise spinach or make it the star of your dish, this recipe roundup will give you — and, hey, maybe even the kids — reason to love it.

“Veggie Fests” Are My Favorite Way to Eat Healthy

This spread is surprisingly fun to make — and eat! Here's how my family does it.

Why the Maple Creemee is Vermont’s Favorite Summer Treat

Vermont’s take on soft serve is in a class of its own.

20 Healthy Easter Side Dishes

Find healthy spring side dish recipes for serving at your Easter celebration.

Easy Go-To Thanksgiving Side Dishes

Dial back the Thanksgiving meal-prep stress with these side dishes that are a snap to make.

Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Satisfy your cravings for this all-American favorite.

Our Favorite Sangrias for Fall

Extend your summer love affair well into the next season.

Orange Delights: 6 Carrot-Centered Side Dishes

Let carrots play the star in stellar side dishes, prepared simply to enhance their sweet, earthy flavor. Here are 6 of our favorite Food Network recipes.

What's New