Peas and Pancetta

Out of all of the 200+ channels that I receive through my cable television subscription, the Food Network is on the most often in my house.  I usually have the Food Network on while I'm doing things in the house as background noise.  The news is depressing and not very uplifting, but food shows are much happier!  I've been enjoying all the shows that are focusing on the spring seasonal fruits and vegetables.  On a recent Easter special, Giada did a recipe for peas, pancetta, and prosecco.

It sounded simple and elegant.  Ninety-eight percent of the time, when I make veggies for sides, I don't really do much to them, only adding maybe a little butter or lemon pepper.  With all the great peas in season, now is the time to make this dish.   The fresh peas are so much more flavorful than the  canned or frozen versions, and they have a bit of a crunch since they are fresh.  The pancetta and cheese add the right amount of saltiness.  Besides, pancetta makes any dish better!  Using leftover ham would also be a great option.  The white wine and onion powder are subtle but enhance the fresh flavors.

If you live near a Trader Joe's, they have bags of fresh peas along with diced pancetta that make this recipe even more easy peasy.

Peas and Pancetta
Yields 4 servings

Ingredients:
1 10-oz. bag of fresh or frozen peas
4 oz. diced pancetta
1 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. white wine or prosecco
1/2 tsp. onion powder
2 tbsp. grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt, to taste (note, I did not add any salt because the pancetta was salty enough)

Directions:
Put peas into heatproof bowl.  Boil four cups of water, and pour water into the bowl containing peas.  Leave peas in hot water for three minutes, and then drain.

In a small saucepan, melt butter, and then add pancetta.  Cook over medium heat, and stir until pancetta is cooked.  Then, drain the grease from the pancetta.  Return the pan to the stove, and adjust temperature to medium.  Add the peas and onion powder.  Cook for about three minutes, and then add the wine, and increase heat to high.  Cook for another two minutes, and then remove from heat.  add the cheese and any salt to taste.

Source: Adapted from Giada De Laurentiis