Steamed Peas in Lettuce
A gentle French-inspired method of steaming fresh peas wrapped in lettuce leaves, which keeps them tender and flavorful without boiling water.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh peas, shelled (About 2 pounds in pods)
- 8 leaves Lettuce leaves, large outer leaves (Enough to wrap peas completely)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Optional, for serving)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground (To taste)
Instructions
- 1Shell the fresh peas, discarding the pods. You should have about 2 cups of shelled peas.
- 2Rinse the lettuce leaves and pat them dry. Remove any tough stems if necessary.
- 3Lay out the lettuce leaves overlapping to form a large surface. Place the shelled peas in the center and wrap them securely, creating a tight package with the lettuce completely enclosing the peas.
- 4Place the lettuce-wrapped peas package seam-side down in a stewpan or heavy-bottomed pot. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place over moderate heat. Steam for 30 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the lettuce doesn't burn. The peas will steam in their own moisture and the lettuce will wilt.
- 5Remove the pot from heat. Carefully unwrap the lettuce package (it will be very hot and steamy). Discard the wilted lettuce leaves. Transfer the peas to a serving dish and toss with butter, salt, and black pepper to taste.
