Nancy Montgomery's Garden Peas with Mushrooms and Shallots
Calligraphy by Kayla Elaine Moore @kayla_elaine_calligraphy
Recipe #4 - Alias Grace
This week, I decided to post my all-time favorite recipe with peas, which is by the wonderful blog Garlic & Zest.
I wanted to make peas because of the scene in which Grace drops the peas she is picking in the garden for Nancy and Mr. Kinnear's supper. She drops them out of excitement and surprise when she spots Jeremiah the peddler approaching the house. Later, after Jeremiah leaves, Grace cooks them up and remarks, to James' disappointment, that there are only enough peas for two people. She serves them to Nancy and Mr. Kinnear while she herself and James McDermott go without.
To make a small batch of peas stretch between 4 or more, I suggest adding mushrooms and shallots! The following recipe is now one of my favorite side dishes, which I usually gobble up with a nice serving of potatoes (baked, mashed, boiled, roasted, sweet, any type!) topped with vegan butter and a little s+p, or alongside roasted root veggies.
Ingredients:
1 14-oz package frozen or fresh garden peas
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced (I use either button or baby bella)
2 medium shallots, pealed and thinly sliced (shortways)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried, if you prefer)
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
1/4 cup dry white wine (I used dry cooking sherry)
1 tablespoon vegan butter
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-low heat. Add shallots and cook 3-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Set aside.
Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Add mushrooms and sauté for about 5-7 minutes. Set aside.
Add peas and white wine to pan, and bring to a boil. Heat until peas are cooked through.
Remove from heat and stir in shallots and mushrooms. Stir thoroughly to incorporate.
Add the thyme, tarragon, butter and lemon juice. Stir to incorporate.
Season with salt and pepper.
Enjoy!
