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PISELLI ALLA FIORENTINA – TRADITIONAL TUSCAN FRESH PEA SIDE DISH

By Delicious Recipes!Posted on
PISELLI ALLA FIORENTINA – TRADITIONAL TUSCAN FRESH PEA SIDE DISH

PISELLI ALLA FIORENTINA – TRADITIONAL TUSCAN FRESH PEA SIDE DISH

After eagerly waiting for fresh peas to appear at the market, this classic Tuscan recipe was the first dish I craved upon returning home. Piselli alla Fiorentina is a simple yet flavorful preparation of fresh peas with aromatic herbs and savory cured ham, perfect as a side or enjoyed on its own.

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min

🍳 Cook Time: 15-20 min
🍰 Yields: 3-4 servings as a side, 2 servings as a main dish

🥄 Ingredients

  • 500 g fresh peas
  • 50 g dry-cured ham (prosciutto crudo, speck, or jambon), thinly sliced and diced
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, whole
  • 2–3 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 🧄 Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté whole garlic cloves until fragrant.
  2. 🥓 Add diced ham and cook for about 1 minute until it changes color.
  3. 🌱 Stir in fresh peas and sauté for 1 minute to coat them in oil and flavors.
  4. 💧 Pour in 200 ml water (just enough to almost cover the peas), season with black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. 🔥 Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes.
  6. 🍲 Remove lid and continue cooking, stirring frequently, until water evaporates completely and peas are tender but still slightly crisp, about 5–10 minutes.
  7. 🧂 Taste and adjust salt carefully, considering the saltiness of the ham.
  8. 🌿 Stir in chopped parsley and mint, then remove from heat.

💡 Tips

  • Use fresh, tender peas for best texture and flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking to keep peas vibrant and slightly crisp.
  • Pair with simply grilled or pan-fried meat for a complete meal.

🎉 Perfect For

  • Italian-inspired side dishes
  • Light vegetarian meals (omit ham)
  • Fresh spring and summer dining

📝 Final Thoughts

Piselli alla Fiorentina is a delightfully fresh and fragrant way to enjoy peas, combining the sweetness of the vegetable with aromatic herbs and savory cured ham for a truly authentic Tuscan experience.