Peas, Courgette, and Ricotta Skillet Recipe
A light and refreshing side dish featuring sautéed courgette and peas, brightened with lemon zest and juice, and finished with creamy ricotta and fresh mint. Perfect for a quick and healthy accompaniment to any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Fresh Ingredients
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2 courgette, diced
- 500g frozen peas, thawed
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (for squeezing over)
- Fresh mint, to sprinkle over
Oils and Fats
- 1 Tbsp butter
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Ricotta, dolloped on top (approximately 150-200g)
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Onions: Place a large frying pan over gentle heat. Add the butter, olive oil, and finely diced onions. Gently sauté the onions until they become translucent, allowing their sweetness to develop without browning.
- Cook Garlic and Courgette: Add the thinly sliced garlic and diced courgette to the pan. Cook gently for 5-10 minutes, allowing the courgette to soften and start to color slightly without becoming mushy.
- Add Peas and Lemon Zest: Stir in the thawed peas and the zest of one lemon. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix everything together to combine the flavors and heat through.
- Remove from Heat: Take the pan off the heat and transfer the vegetable mixture to a serving dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Finish and Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the warm vegetables. Dot the top with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, sprinkle fresh mint leaves over everything, and serve immediately as a vibrant, flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Fresh mint adds brightness; if unavailable, you can substitute with fresh basil or parsley.
- For a vegan version, omit the butter and ricotta or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
- Ensure peas are fully thawed to cook evenly and maintain sweetness.
- This dish pairs well with grilled fish, chicken, or as a light vegetarian main when served with crusty bread.
- Use fresh lemon for best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste.