Italian peas

This Italian Peas recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for anyone following a CKD-friendly diet. Made with heart-healthy olive oil, garlic, and low-sodium vegetable broth, it provides a nutritious, low-sodium alternative to traditional vegetable sides. The combination of green peas and aromatic seasonings makes it a delicious and kidney-friendly choice for anyone looking to manage their renal health while enjoying a tasty meal. It's just 5 ingredients for a delicious and wholesome way to cook peas from frozen.

As a registered dietitian specializing in chronic kidney disease (CKD), I understand the importance of creating kidney-friendly recipes that support overall health and well-being. My goal is to provide reliable, evidence-based information that helps individuals with CKD make informed dietary choices. With years of experience in renal nutrition, I ensure that every recipe is crafted with a focus on managing sodium, potassium, and other essential nutrients for kidney health.

Close Up Of Italian Peas

This Green Peas recipe is ideal for those following a CKD-friendly diet because it is low in sodium and potassium, making it gentle on the kidneys. The use of heart-healthy olive oil and low-sodium vegetable broth ensures it meets dietary guidelines for managing fluid balance and blood pressure, essential for individuals with chronic kidney disease. This nutrient-rich dish provides a flavorful, kidney-friendly side that supports overall health without compromising taste.

I love this kidney friendly side dish with a nice kidney friendly beef entree, or even a pork loin medallion with pan gravy. You can enjoy a holiday meal for Chronic Kidney Disease and have this as a side dish with your pork ribeye loin roast.

Italian Peas in a bowl with onions and garlic
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Ingredients for a Peas Side Dish

This Italian Peas recipe features a blend of simple, kidney-friendly ingredients, including olive oil, garlic, and frozen green peas. These ingredients come together to create a flavorful and nutritious side dish that's easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.

Italian Peas Ingredients
  • Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that adds richness and helps sautรฉ the vegetables, providing flavor and moisture without added sodium.
  • White onion: A flavorful vegetable that adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish when sautรฉed, enhancing the overall taste.
  • Garlic: Known for its aromatic and savory flavor, garlic adds a burst of taste and is often used to boost the dishโ€™s umami profile.
  • Frozen green peas: A nutritious and fiber-rich vegetable that offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor, making it a perfect base for this simple, healthy side dish.
  • Low-sodium vegetable broth: A flavorful liquid used to add moisture and depth to the peas without contributing excess sodium, making it kidney-friendly.
  • Black pepper: A common seasoning that provides a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor of the dish without overpowering it.

See recipe card for quantities.

Best Way To Cook Frozen Peas

Now that you have your ingredients ready, including your cooking peas from frozen, letโ€™s walk through the simple steps to bring this delicious Italian Peas dish to life. Follow these easy instructions to create a flavorful, kidney-friendly side thatโ€™s perfect for any meal.

Step 1 of Italian Peas

1. Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 2 Italian Peas
  1. Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Step3 Italian Peas
  1. Add peas, vegetable broth, and black pepper. Cover for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender and heated through.

Hint: Avoid Overcooking the Peas: Be sure to only cook the peas for 2-3 minutes to maintain their bright color and texture, ensuring they donโ€™t become mushy.

Substitutions

If you need to adjust the recipe based on dietary preferences or available ingredients, here are a few kidney-friendly substitutions:

  • Garlic Alternative: If garlic is not suitable for your diet, try using herb-infused olive oil for a gentler, kidney-friendly flavor.
  • Olive Oil Substitution: Use avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point while still maintaining a heart-healthy fat.
  • Vegetable Broth Substitution: Swap low-sodium vegetable broth with homemade vegetable stock to further control sodium levels.
Bowl of Italian Peas

Variations

This Italian Peas recipe can be easily adapted to suit different preferences or dietary needs, all while staying kidney-friendly. Here are a few variations to try:

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few diced jalapeรฑos for a mild heat that enhances the dishโ€™s overall flavor.
  • Add Carrots: Incorporate finely diced carrots for added color and a mild, sweet flavor that complements the peas.
  • Sautรฉ with Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet to introduce an earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the peas.

Storage

To keep your Italian Peas fresh and maintain their CKD-friendly qualities, follow these storage tips:

  • Individual Portions: For convenience, consider storing the peas in individual portions, which makes reheating easy and helps maintain proper portion control for CKD-friendly meals.
  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or low-sodium broth to prevent drying out.
  • Freezing: While peas can be frozen, itโ€™s best to freeze them separately before mixing with the other ingredients for the best texture. Place the cooled peas in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months, then thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

Top Tip

Cook on Medium Heat: To prevent burning the garlic, cook it on medium heat, ensuring itโ€™s fragrant without turning bitter.

FAQs About Easy Peas Recipes

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas, but they may require a slightly longer cooking time. Fresh peas will also have a different texture compared to frozen peas, but they can still work well in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove with a little added broth or water to restore moisture.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-potassium diet?

Yes, this recipe is suitable for a low-potassium diet as peas are moderate in potassium. The portion size can be adjusted to meet your individual needs, but the ingredients used in this recipe are kidney-friendly.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like a spicier dish, you can add red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeรฑo, or a sprinkle of chili powder to the recipe. These additions can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level while still keeping the dish CKD-friendly.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing with Easy Peas Recipes

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Peas Recipes Side Dish:

If you tried thisย Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave aย star ratingย and let me know how it goes in the commentsย below. I love hearing from you!

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Italian peas

Close Up Of Italian Peas

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This Italian Peas recipe is a simple, flavorful side dish perfect for those following a CKD-friendly diet. Made with kidney-friendly ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and low-sodium broth, itโ€™s a nutritious addition to any meal.

  • Author: Mathea Ford, MBA, RDN, LD
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 33 minutes
  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ยฝ cup white onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp garlic
  • 2 cups frozen green peas
  • 1 tbsp low sodium vegetable broth
  • ยฝ tsp black pepper

Instructions

  • Add the oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and saute until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
  • Add peas, vegetable broth, and black pepper. Cover for 2-3 minutes until the peas are tender and heated through.

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