Artificial Food Coloring Free Buttered Pearl Onions and Peas
This simple, beautiful side dish is proof that the best cooking often comes down to a handful of honest ingredients treated with care. Pearl onions are slowly simmered until tender, then allowed to caramelize at the edges into something lightly golden and sweet, while bright green peas bring a pop of freshness to every bite. A generous knob of butter ties it all together with a glossy, savory finish that feels far more elegant than the effort involved. For anyone navigating artificial dye concerns, this dish is a natural win — every ingredient here is exactly what it says it is, with no processed sauces, seasoning packets, or colorful additives anywhere in sight. Fresh thyme and a scatter of parsley keep the flavors clean and aromatic without relying on anything from a bottle. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, a holiday spread, or honestly just a good piece of crusty bread. Simple, wholesome, and genuinely delicious.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb fresh or frozen pearl onions
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup water
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
If using fresh pearl onions, bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Score a shallow X on the root end of each onion, then blanch for 1 minute. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool enough to handle. Pinch each onion at the stem end to slip off the skin. If using frozen pearl onions, skip this step — they are already peeled.
- 2
In a large skillet, combine the peeled pearl onions, ½ cup water, 1 tbsp of the butter, and the salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then cover and cook until the onions are just tender when pierced with a knife, about 8–10 minutes.
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