Peas with ham

Ingredients

• 180 gonion
• 50 gextra-virgin olive oil
• 500 gfrozen peas
• 150 gwater
• ½ teaspoonsalt
• 120 gdiced Serrano ham

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the onion

   Finely chop the onion.

2. 2

   Soften the onion

   Warm the olive oil in a saucepan over a medium-low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened.

3. 3

   Cook the peas

   Add the frozen peas, water and salt. Cover and simmer until the peas are tender, checking them as they cook.

4. 4

   Add the ham

   Stir in the diced Serrano ham and cook briefly until heated through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve.

What are peas with ham?

This is a straightforward Spanish home-style dish combining peas with cured ham, often served as a tapa, side or light main. The ingredients are few, so the sweetness of the peas and the savoury, salty ham both come through.

Here, onion softened in olive oil creates a gentle base, while a little water helps the frozen peas cook. Serrano ham is stirred in towards the end so it warms without losing its character.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 288 calories, 16g protein, 22g carbs, 15g fat.

The peas provide most of the carbohydrate, while olive oil contributes much of the fat and Serrano ham supplies protein as well as fat. Pair a serving with a salad or other vegetables for a more varied plate.

Build a savoury base

Onion: chop it finely so it softens evenly and blends into the peas. Cook it gently in the oil rather than letting it brown heavily.

Olive oil: extra-virgin olive oil brings richness and carries the onion's flavour through the dish. Keep the heat moderate to avoid scorching it.

Cook the frozen peas

Frozen peas: add them straight from the freezer; there is no need to thaw them first. Simmer until tender, checking a pea for texture rather than relying only on the clock.

Water: the measured water helps the peas cook under a lid and leaves a little moisture in the pan. If the pan looks dry before the peas are tender, check the heat and stir.

Add the ham at the end

Serrano ham: stir the diced ham in once the peas are nearly cooked, then heat it through briefly. This keeps it from becoming overly dry or tough.

Salt: ham can be salty, so taste the finished dish before adding any more. The stated salt is best treated as a starting point if your ham is particularly salty.

Check the texture

The peas should be tender but still hold their shape, not collapse into a purée. Stir gently so they cook evenly without getting crushed.

The finished dish should be moist rather than soupy. If there is more liquid than you want, simmer uncovered briefly; if it is too dry, loosen it with a small splash of water.

Serve it simply

Serve the peas hot as a side with roast chicken, fish or eggs, or offer them with bread for a simple meal. A crisp green salad also works well alongside.

For a larger spread, serve them as part of a tapas-style meal with other small dishes. Their savoury flavour pairs well with mild, simply cooked foods.

Recipe notes & tips

• Chop the onion finely so it softens at the same pace throughout.
• Use a lid while the peas simmer to help them cook evenly.
• Stir gently once the peas are in the pan to keep them whole.
• Taste before adding extra salt because Serrano ham is already savoury.
• Add the ham near the end and heat it through briefly.

Variations

• Add garlic: soften a finely chopped clove with the onion.
• Use fresh peas: simmer them until tender, checking their texture as they cook.
• Add black pepper: season at the end for a mild peppery note.
• Include a poached egg: serve one on top for a more substantial plate.
• Add chopped parsley: scatter it over the peas just before serving.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Browning the onion too much: lower the heat and cook it gently until soft.
• Overcooking the peas: check them regularly and stop when they are tender but still hold their shape.
• Adding the ham too early: stir it in near the end so it only needs a brief time to heat through.
• Salting before tasting: check the finished dish first because the ham adds saltiness.
• Letting the pan dry out: keep an eye on the liquid and add a small splash of water if needed.

How to store

Cool leftovers promptly and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until piping hot, adding a splash of water if the peas seem dry.

Frequently asked questions