Sweet Peas & Pancetta proves the point…everything is better with bacon!
The rumors are true…
Everything is better with bacon!
So here’s the deal… I. just. couldn’t. eat. one. more. sweet. pea…not without some drama!
Are you with me?
And this pancetta aka Italian bacon… Did the job! Hit the spot! Scored me points!
Sorry – bacon has this effect on me.
Sweet Peas & Pancetta is perfect with just about anything.
I’m sure we can all agree that there’s something special about peas with fried onions – but when we add pancetta and teardrop tomatoes – we are entering a whole new world.
Drama.
WHAT ARE TEARDROP TOMATOES?
- Teardrops, or pear tomatoes, are small in size like a cherry tomato, but are teardrop shaped.
- Available in several colors: orange, red, yellow, and purple – they add a beautiful pop of color to your plate.
- Teardrops are sweet and juicy and pack a perfect little tomato-y punch.
- Perfect for snacking, creating Caprese, or doing a quick sauté for recipes like today’s, these sweet little heirlooms get the job done.
This recipe is quick, simple, and absolutely perfect alongside roasted chicken, grilled rib eye, or a succulent pork chop any night of the week; but, it’s also fabulous for nights that call for heightened grandeur.
Walk with me…
My sisters and I planned a 40th surprise anniversary dinner for my parents more than a decade ago, and one of the entrees we prepared was Pasta with Peas – which was basically this recipe with added garlic and Romano cheese over tagliatelle pasta. Not only was this delicious, it was a perfect addition to the several other Italian immigrant dishes we served up that evening. It was perfect. Plus, it was soooo quick to prepare – we had time to create a family funniest home video, with commercials and all… 🙂
INGREDIENTS:
- olive oil
- diced pancetta or (diced) thick sliced bacon
- large yellow onion
- fresh or frozen sweet peas
- teardrop/pear tomatoes (or cherry or grape tomatoes)
- salt and cracked black pepper
HOW TO PREPARE SWEET PEAS & PANCETTA:
- To begin, dice the pancetta and fry it over medium heat in a little olive oil.
- Once the pancetta is cooked, add a chopped onion to the same pan, stirring frequently until the onions are golden and the bacon is crisp.
- Stir in the peas and tomatoes, and continue cooking until the vegetables are heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper, toss to combine, serve.
Have fun!
Buon Appetito!
MORE EXCITING SIDE DISHES:
Crispy Mini Potatoes with Parmigiano-Reggiano & Rosemary
Summer Fruit Salad with Prosciutto
Sweet Peas & Pancetta
- Category: Side-Dish
Description
Sweet Peas & Pancetta proves the point…everything is better with bacon!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil
- 6 ounces diced pancetta or thick sliced bacon
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 10 oz. bags frozen sweet peas
- 1 pint Teardrop/Pear tomatoes tomatoes
- salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat and fry the pancetta until cooked.
- Sauté the chopped onions in the same pan until they become golden, and the bacon is crisp.
- Stir in the peas and teardrop tomatoes and continue cooking for about 5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Serve warm.
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
Sweet peas are just the best! We actually have them a lot with bacon and parmesan and this dish makes me think of that! My kiddos would gobble this one up too!
Annie says
Mmmmm- a real treat!!
Traci | Vanilla And Bean says
Those little tear drop toms are so sweet and perfect for little bursts of flavor! Love them paired with peas. I can see this spooned over brushetta 😀
Annie says
Mmmm – I like the way you think, Traci!! 🙂
Marissa says
I’d enjoy this for any meal of the day! And it’s so true, bacon makes everything better!
Annie says
Bacon is rather gifted! 😉 Thanks, Marissa!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I totally agree Annie! Everything is better with bacon. And I’m LOVING those tomatoes too. Can’t wait to make this at home!
Annie says
It’s a yummy one! Thanks Mary Ann!
Alex says
What a tasty combination of flavours, Annie! I love it!
Annie says
Thanks, Alex!!
Chef Mimi says
A beautiful combination. I’ve had to update many a post because of photos!
Annie says
Oh my….I’ve got enough to go years with re-dos!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Such a beautiful and delicious summer recipe! Love peas – their pop of colour and flavour. I can make a whole meal out of just this, no main needed! Happy weekend ahead 🙂
Annie says
Definitely hearty enough to stand alone! Thanks, friend! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Nagi@RecipeTin Eats says
Yes yes yes! Why do I not see recipes like this more often? This is how to take frozen peas to the next level! I can make a meal out of this 🙂
Annie says
Absolutely!! When we can take frozen peas to the next level, we’ve done our job! Thanks Nagi!!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
It’s totally not a rumor… it’s fact. Bacon makes everything better. Like, everything!!! Hahaha this is a great looking side dish!
Annie says
See that…we know the deal! Hahaha! Thanks for stopping by Chris!
Erica says
Yum! This looks fab! Everything is better with pancetta!
Annie says
Thanks Erica! And that’s so true, isn’t it? Everything’s better with pancetta!
ATasteOfMadness says
I really do like peas, but I agree. I’m sure it’s better with bacon. This looks amazing!
Annie says
It really is quite good! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love peas as a side dish! With the pancetta and onion added in, I could skip the main dish and just eat this!
Annie says
I know! I do too – which is precisely why I’m always looking for ways to change it up! Thanks Christin!!
Catalina @ Shades of Pink says
OMG I am making this, why I have never thought to combine both in such a simple, but delicious way?
Annie says
Isn’t true though…sometimes the simplest things are right in front of us but we don’t see it until someone else points it out. You will love this! Thanks Catalina!
mira says
This dish looks amazing, I love the combination of pancetta and peas! I’m sure it is delicious and will try it soon!
Annie says
Thank you Mira! It’s comfort food all the way!
Annie @Maebells says
Oh wow! I am always looking for new ways to make green peas, this sounds wonderful!
Annie says
Right?! I just needed a little sweet pea makeover! Thanks Annie!
Jess @ whatjessicabakednext says
Love pancetta and peas- one of my most favourite comfort foods! Can’t wait to try these soon!
Annie says
Wonderful…enjoy! Thanks Jess!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
This dish sounds amazing, Annie! And I agree, everything is better with bacon! 🙂 But I love that you added pancetta to the peas, too. Gives it such great flavor!
Annie says
This dish is dangerous! Thanks Gayle!