High Fructose Corn Syrup Free Buttered Pearl Onions and Peas
Sweet, buttery, and impossibly simple, this classic side dish is the kind of thing that makes a weeknight dinner feel a little more special. Pearl onions get a slow simmer until tender, then the heat gets cranked up so the liquid reduces and the onions pick up a gorgeous, lightly golden glaze before the peas join the party. Fresh thyme and a finishing scatter of parsley bring a herby brightness that ties everything together beautifully. For anyone navigating processed sweetener concerns, this recipe is a breath of fresh air — every single ingredient is whole and straightforward, with zero sauces, stocks, or packaged shortcuts that might sneak in unwanted additives. Unsalted butter, water, salt, and fresh herbs are all you need to build real, clean flavor. The glazing technique does all the heavy lifting, coaxing natural sweetness out of the onions without a drop of anything artificial. It's the kind of dish that proves you don't need a long ingredient list to land something genuinely delicious on the table.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!