Florentine-Style Spring Peas, an Easy Tuscan Side Dish

In looking for a nice side dish for an Italian meal I prepared last night, I found one that meets two important criteria - tasty & easy. It's a Tuscan dish called Florentine-Style Spring Peas - Piselli alla Fiorentina. The recipe calls for either ham or pancetta. I used pancetta, which was fine. However, I think that I'll try prosciutto next time, and compare the results.

Below is the exact description of this dish as described at the following URL:

http://www.tuscanrecipes.com/recipes/piselli-alla-fiorentina.html

Serves 6

One of the most often served vegetable dishes in Florence. The springtime fresh pea season is short in Tuscany, but since this is such a favourite, we've gone global, using the best frozen peas we can find. Whirl up any leftovers with a touch of broth, milk or water for a wonderfully sweet pea soup.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
• 3-4 oz. diced ham or pancetta (un-smoked, Italian bacon)
• 1 ½ pounds frozen petite peas
• 1 cup water
• ¼ tsp. salt
• freshly ground pepper
• 1 Tbsp. chopped parsley

1. In a 2-quart saucepan, gently cook olive oil, garlic and ham or bacon for 2-3 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic.
2. Add the frozen peas, water, salt and pepper and cook covered for approximately 15 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper, stir in parsley and serve.