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    Home » Side Dishes

    Italian Peas with Onions (and Bacon)

    Published: Jul 25, 2014 · Modified: Apr 15, 2022 by Mamma C · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Make these Italian Peas with Onions and Bacon for a delicious side dish! You can omit the meat for a vegan version.

    peas and onions in a pan with wooden spoon

    If you don't like peas, chances are you've never had them sautéed with onions and bacon.

    Even without the bacon, they're still delicious (and vegan). Think smoky flavor, golden onions, olive oil, salt, peppery heat...yum! This is one of our favorite Italian side dishes!

    It's the only way I eat peas.

    Growing up, we always had this prepared with the bacon, as is done in Naples. Other parts of Italy use prosciutto.

    Both are great options. But lately, more often than not, we make the peas without meat to accommodate vegetarian preferences.

    "What do you mean, you don't eat no MEAT?!"

    pan of peas and onions and wooden spoon

    I've included instructions for meatless and bacon versions in the recipe that follows. This is a great side dish for entertaining, since it doesn't require oven space.

    And, yes, any leftovers are awesome served over pasta or rice, with some Parmesan cheese.

    Buon Appetito!

    More recipes like this

    • Pasta e Piselli (Peas)
    • Rapini (Broccoli Rabe) with Garlic
    • Italian Sauteed Mushrooms with Garlic and Tomatoes
    • Italian Broccoli with Gremolata

    (Recipe Source: Adapted from my Mom)

    peas and onions in a pan with wooden spoon

    Peas with Onions (and Bacon)

    Make with bacon for meat lovers, or without for vegans/vegetarians
    4.72 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate Save Go to Collections
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 5
    Calories: 248kcal
    Author: Mamma C

    Ingredients

    • 5 strips bacon cut into ½ inch pieces (optional)
    • 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil (if using bacon, only use 1 tablespoon olive oil)
    • 1 large Vidalia onion or 2 medium onions (yellow or white, sliced)
    • 1 16-ounces package frozen baby peas
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2-4 dashes red pepper flakes
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    If Using Bacon

    • Slice onions and set aside. Cut raw bacon into pieces (kitchen scissors work well.) In a large, non-stick skillet, heat a drop of oil and add the bacon to the pan. Partially cook the bacon on medium high, until the bacon grease is released.
    • Add the onions and the rest of the tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and stir to mix with the bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and golden (about 10 minutes).
    • Add the frozen peas, salt and black pepper to the pan and stir together. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until peas are cooked to your liking. Taste peas and stir in red pepper flakes as needed before serving.

    Meatless Version

    • Slice onions. Heat 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden (about 10 minutes).
    • Add frozen peas, salt and black pepper to the pan. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until peas are cooked to your liking. Taste peas and stir in red pepper flakes as needed before serving.

    Notes

    I've always used a skillet, but Mom says if you have a non-stick sauce pan, you can use that, and the peas should cook more quickly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 388mg | Potassium: 343mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 705IU | Vitamin C: 39.4mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1.6mg
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    I'm Andrea, also known as Mamma C. I share family-tested recipes from my Italian-American kitchen. I hope you'll visit often! Read More…

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