I knew that I wanted to have the (Faux) ground beef casserole again, but I needed something green on the side. I found this simple recipe for peas in an old cookbook from Betty Crocker. Reading this, I thought, what exactly does lining the pot with lettuce leaves do for this dish? Is it just for looks? But, I did exactly as Betty said. My bag of peas was actually 16 ounces instead of 10, but they still turned out great! I couldn’t believe it! They had such a good flavor! My 19-month old son even liked them! I will definitely hang onto this recipe and make it again. We enjoyed our peas with the Faux Ground beef casserole and a yeast roll.
rating: 9
Peas, French Style
(from Betty Crocker’s Cookbook, 1969)
3 lbs fresh green peas (or 1 package (10-ounces) frozen green peas, partially thawed and broken apart)
lettuce leaves
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp butter
Line medium saucepan with lettuce leaves; add peas. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and nutmeg; dot with butter. Cover peas with more lettuce leaves. Cover; cook over low heat 15-18 minutes or until peas are tender. Discard lettuce leaves.
serves 4
* If using fresh peas: heat 1 inch salted water )1/2 tsp salt to 1 cup water) to boiling. Add peas. Heat to boiling; cook uncovered 5 minutes. Cover and cook 3-7 minutes or until tender. If desired, add 1/2 tsp sugar and a few pods or leaf of lettuce to boiling water for added flavor. Drain.
