Peas with Mint and Garlic

One of our favorite easy side dishes is always fresh peas, sauteed with mint and garlic. It might sound silly to crave a side dish of peas, of all things – but fresh English and snap peas, stir-fried with mint and garlic based off the peas at Dublin's iconic Ivy restaurant on Dawson Street are one side you'll want again and again!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

How to Make Peas with Mint and Garlic

Fresh peas aren't everyone's favorite side dish – despite them being tender, good, and healthy – but this recipe was designed to bring out the sweet, salty, and savory flavor of peas (and snap peas).

These peas are loosely inspired by the peas at The Ivy in Dublin – one of our favorite restaurants! We raved over the peas – and our waiter thought we might be a bit mental. Our favorite part of dinner… were the peas? Didn't we have a grandma who forced us to eat the sickly, green tinned peas on our plate as a kid like he did? Of course, we told him – but fresh peas are such a different, bright and sweet flavor, that we can't get enough!

Visiting Dublin? Check out our favorite hotel for a girls or foodie trip here.

Mint and Garlic Peas Ingredients

To make this recipe we will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb Fresh shelled English peas: These provide the main body of the dish and bring a sweet, earthy flavor and a tender texture. They're also a good source of vitamins and fiber.
• 1 cup snap peas, cut in half: Snap peas add a slightly different texture and taste, with a sweeter and more delicate flavor than the English peas. They also contribute a pleasant crunch.
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced & 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Garlic is a potent and aromatic ingredient that brings a robust flavor to the dish. The different cuts of the garlic (sliced and minced) release varying intensities of flavor, with the minced being stronger.
• 1 cup white wine: White wine enhances the flavor profile by adding acidity and depth to the dish. It also helps in deglazing the pan, which captures any browned bits stuck to the bottom during sautéing, adding more flavor.
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt: This enhances the garlic flavor in the dish while also adding necessary saltiness. It also helps to balance and bring out the sweetness of the peas.
• 1 shallot, minced: Shallots have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that blends well with the other ingredients and adds an additional layer of depth to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs: These herbs add a hint of Mediterranean flair and contribute a variety of flavors, including sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter, depending on the mix used.
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves: Fresh mint provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the garlic and the earthiness of the peas. It adds a light, bright note that elevates the whole dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil serves as the cooking medium, imparting a rich, fruity flavor. It also helps to marry all the flavors together and allows for proper sautéing.
• Dried black garlic flakes, to garnish: Black garlic has a sweet, balsamic-like flavor that brings complexity and a hint of umami to the dish. As a garnish, it not only enhances the taste but also adds a visually appealing element to the final presentation.

Steps to Make Peas with Mint and Garlic

Once you've gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:

Prep

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced shallot to the skillet, cooking until it becomes translucent, typically about 2-3 minutes. Add both the thinly sliced and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Make Sauce

Toss chopped mint and Italian herbs in the pan before stirring in peas. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and let the alcohol evaporate.

Sautee Peas

Add the fresh-shelled English peas and snap peas to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until the peas start to become tender but still retain their bright green color. Season the peas with garlic salt, stirring well to combine all the flavors.

Cook to Tender

Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas are cooked to your preferred tenderness.

Serve

Transfer the peas to a serving dish, and sprinkle with dried black garlic flakes as a garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Kitchen notes

Quality of Ingredients: Always try to use the freshest peas and herbs for maximum flavor. Fresh mint, in particular, will give a bright and refreshing taste that dried mint can't quite replicate.

Cooking the Peas: When sautéing the peas, make sure not to overcook them. You want them to maintain a slight crunch and vibrant green color. Overcooking can lead to mushy peas and a dull green color.

Garlic Techniques: For a more nuanced garlic flavor, add thinly sliced and minced garlic at different stages of cooking. The thinly sliced garlic can be added earlier to infuse the oil, while the minced garlic can be added a bit later to avoid burning and to provide a stronger garlic punch.

De-glazing the Pan: When you add the white wine, scrape the bottom of the pan to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom (known as fond). This technique, known as deglazing, allows these flavors to be incorporated into the dish.

Herb Timing: Add most of the fresh mint towards the end of the cooking process. Adding fresh herbs at the end helps to preserve their flavor and color. You can save a bit for garnishing as well.

Adjust to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic, mint, and salt according to your preference. Some might like a more garlic-heavy dish, while others might prefer the freshness of the mint to stand out more.

Garnishing: Don't skip on the black garlic flakes. They add a visually appealing contrast to the bright green peas and provide an unexpected flavor twist.

A few answers

We can't find fresh peas – can we use frozen peas?

Yes, you can use frozen peas. thaw and drain them properly before using to avoid excess moisture. Note that frozen peas may not have quite the same sweetness and texture as fresh peas.

Can we use dried mint instead of fresh?

Fresh mint is ideal for its bright, refreshing flavor. However, if you don't have fresh mint, you can use dried. Use about one-third of the amount, as dried herbs are more concentrated.

What can we use instead of white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, you can replace it with vegetable broth. Lemon juice can also work as it provides the acidity that balances the dish.

Can this dish be made ahead of time?

This dish is best served immediately while the peas are still vibrant and the mint is fresh. However, you can sauté the garlic and shallots ahead of time, then quickly cook the peas before serving.

How can we store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave.

What can we serve peas with?

This dish can be served as a side with a variety of main courses, particularly grilled meats or fish. It also pairs well with rice or pasta dishes. For a vegetarian meal, you could serve it alongside a grain like quinoa or farro.

What if we don't have black garlic flakes?

Black garlic flakes add a unique flavor, but the dish will still be good without them. You could also substitute regular garlic flakes, or garnish with a bit of extra fresh mint.

Where can we buy black garlic flakes?

You can find Black Garlic flakes at Trader Joe's, or here on amazon.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh shelled English peas
• 1 cup snap peas, cut in half
• 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 cup white wine
• 2 teaspoons garlic salt
• 1 shallot, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Dried black garlic flakes, to garnish

Method

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it is shimmery.
2. Add the minced shallot to the skillet, cooking until it becomes translucent, typically about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add both the thinly sliced and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. Toss chopped mint and Italian herbs in the pan before stirring in peas.
4. Pour in the white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to deglaze and lift any browned bits. Allow the wine to simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly and let the alcohol evaporate.
5. Add the fresh-shelled English peas and snap peas to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until the peas start to become tender but still retain their bright green color.
6. Season the peas with garlic salt, stirring well to combine all the flavors.
7. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the peas are cooked to your preferred tenderness.
8. Transfer the peas to a serving dish, and sprinkle with dried black garlic flakes as a garnish.
9. Serve warm and enjoy!