Green Peas with Toasted Walnuts and Dill {Recipe}

Those who know me well know I am not a cooked vegetable lover.  I just don’t like them.  I love salad and fresh veggies, but cooked ones just don’t sit right on my tongue.  But a few years ago I was TRYING to be better about making vegetables for my family for dinner.  I was looking for creative ways to prepare them that would make them more palatable for me, yet still healthy.  In other words, smothering them in a cheese sauce wasn’t really an option.

Some how I came across a recipe for peas that had walnuts and dill.  I made it and I LOVED it.  My family liked it as well and this is how I usually make my peas now because I just love them so much.  It is an easy, healthy, and delicious side dish!  It would be a great accompaniment to your Easter dinner, too!

{recipe after the break}

Green Peas with Toasted Walnuts and Dill

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 cups frozen green peas
• 1/4 cup toasted minced onion (the dry stuff)
• 1 1/2 cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill weed, or 1-2 teaspoons dried dill
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Cook peas with mince onion in water to desired doneness.  I cook mine just until warmed through.
2. While peas are cooking, toast your walnuts in a dry sauté pan over medium heat.  Watch carefully and stir often to avoid burning.  You want them to get lightly browned and aromatic.  Remove from pan and coarsely chop.
3. Drain peas of all water.  Some of the onions will be lost and that is just fine.
4. Stir in butter, nuts, dill and salt and pepper.
5. Serve hot.