BHA & BHT Free Buttered Pearl Onions and Peas
Sweet, buttery pearl onions paired with bright green peas is one of those classic combinations that never gets old — simple ingredients, big comfort. Every component here is whole and unprocessed, which matters when you're trying to avoid synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT that sneak into packaged and shelf-stable foods. Unsalted butter, fresh herbs, and either fresh or frozen vegetables are all you need, and none of them carry the additive baggage that processed sauces or seasoning blends often do. The technique is what makes this dish shine: the onions are gently simmered until tender, then the liquid cooks off so they pick up a light golden glaze before the peas go in. Fresh thyme and optional parsley finish everything off with a herby lift that feels far more special than the effort involved. It's the kind of side dish that pairs beautifully with a roast or a simple weeknight protein, and you can feel genuinely good about every ingredient on the list.
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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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