A holiday would not seem like a holiday if we didn't serve my mamma's Italian Peas and Mushrooms. The sweet peas, savory onions and garlic with the earthy mushrooms make the perfect vegetable side that goes with any meat.
{Piselli italiani con funghi}.
She loved making Easter dinner for our family. We knew that on her beautifully set table, we would find delicious Italian peas.
Italian peas a holiday tradition
Once she and papá became older, we enthusiastically took on the job of preparing the holiday dinners. Naturally, she wanted to contribute "something," she was an Italian mamma after all. It was always Italian peas with mushrooms at Easter or her broccoli casserole at Christmas. But the broccoli story is for another time.
It was always either Italian peas with mushrooms at Easter or her broccoli casserole at Christmas. But the broccoli story is for another time.
There was a special glow about her when she had everyone under one roof, and she was able to feed us. Yes, she fed us delicious meals, but it was more, with every bite we knew she was feeding us food made with love.
To Italians cooking is love
Mamma worked a lot of hours at the cookie factory, but I never heard her complain that she was too tired to cook or to do anything for us.
Her family was her life. Making them happy was what made her happy.
During the summer the three kids and I would spend several weeks visiting with them. My Honey had to work -- this was his busy time so he'd drive us out there then he would pick us up. Mamma took her vacation during this time.
She wanted to spend every minute she could with us.
We've always loved springtime pea dishes. Another one that you must try that's a Venetian Classic is Risi e Bisi. Instead of the classic rice we used farro. The grain is so rich and creamy you'd think it was risotto.
Carrying on the traditions
My Honey and I are truly blessed. We have cherished memories of Easters, Thanksgivings, Christmases, and all the holidays in between. Our parents cared deeply. They made sure we grew up to be responsible and caring parents ourselves. Now, we carry on their traditions and create some of our own.
Isn't that what life is all about?
If you'd like to start your own Easter tradition, how about making our delicious Easter Bread with colored eggs? It's delicious and our children look forward to it every year.
Another recipe that's joined our holiday roster is Marsala Glazed Carrots. It's a simple dish that delivers big on flavor and presentation!
Buona Pasqua e Buona Primavera!
Alla Prossima
📖 Recipe
Italian Peas and Mushrooms
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¾ chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound frozen peas or fresh peas equivalent
- 1 cup sliced baby bella mushrooms brown ones
- ½ cup Progresso brand Tuscany broth -- or chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Tuscany seasoning or Italian seasoning
- Salt q b quanto basta or to your taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper { more or less to your taste}
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large lidded skillet over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic until onion is translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to saute until the mushrooms release some of their liquid and they start to lightly brown and become fragrant. Add the broth, peas,Tuscany seasoning, salt and pepper. Cover the pan with lid and cook until peas are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Serve immediately or keep warm on very low heat until ready to serve.
Nutrition
Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!
We'll never share your email or send you spam. PromiseNote: Recipes and content from All Our Way©2015 are copyright protected. Please do not use content or recipe without prior written permission. If you want to share the information, please link to this post. Thank you.
Toni
Made this on Christmas, delicious 😋
Michael
Hi, exactly how much onion is the recipe calling for? It says 3/4 onion. What is the base measurement? 3/4 of an onion, 3/4 of a cup/tbs, or tsp?
Marie
I can't understand why questions are asked about how much of something is required unless it's a baking recipe, or a recipe which requires exact measurements. This pea recipe is, add how much onion you would like. Some people like more, some like less. And it's fresh onion, why would you only add a tsp.
Marisa Franca
Ciao Marie! Some people are unfamiliar with cooking and measuring quantities. This gives them a starting point. We love onions and garlic, but not everyone shares our affection for them. I take every question seriously and try to answer to the best of my ability. Do you have a favorite recipe?
Suzanne
Excellent recipe I have always made my MIL’s Italian recipe for Peas and Mushrooms. This recipe knocks hers out of the park….amazing..Thank you for sharing…I wouldn’t change anything..Suzanne
Marisa Franca
Hi Suzanne! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. The holiday meal seems incomplete if we don't serve Mamma's peas and mushrooms recipe. xoxo
JimmyB
I made these for Easter dinner last night and they were very tasty. I wanted to make peas with pearl onions but the store was out of them so I looked around for a recipe using chopped onions and found yours. I followed the recipe exactly only leaving out the Italian seasoning as I thought they were flavorful enough. Thanks for sharing.
Marisa Franca
Hello Jimmy! I'm so glad you liked the recipe. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment -- Have a wonderful rest of the year and happy cooking!!
Jagruti Dhanecha
Fresh peas with mushrooms for Easter lunch, can't go wrong. Such a delicious, vegan and colourful dish to enjoy the people you love.
Leo Balboni
It's not vegan if it has butter in it, but still it is vegetarian and healthy.
Marisa Franca
Thank you for pointing that out. I neither Vegan or Vegetarian.
Daniela
Yum I love fresh peas this time of year! And I'm not sure I've made them Italian style before. Am very intrigued! Thanks so much for sharing :).
Natalie
I absolutely love flavors in this recipe. Peas are such a great side to any meat dinner. We love it with steak or with beef. I must save this recipe and make it next time I'm roasting a beef.
Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness
Love this tradition! I have never had peas for Easter, but you are making me rethink my menu!
Aleksandra
That must be so yummy! I will be making it tonight!
Jo
That's truly amazing Eastern traditional recipe. Mushroom and peas is a classic combination that my family loves. I'd love it with grilled meat all year long. Simply delicious!
Joan McCulloch
Can this be made ahead and reheated. Can shallots be used instead of onion, would it affect the flavors
Marisa Franca
Yes, Joan, it can and shallots would be very nice also. Just let the peas barely cook and then reheat before your meal. Peas are really forgiving! Have a wonderful weekend!! xo
Lorie
This reminds me of Easter with my gramma. We do a very similar dish. I looooooove peas so this one is gonna be perfect for me!!
Analida Braeger
Mushrooms are my absolute favorite i always love to have them as a side with my breakfast! and so are peas with holiday dinners , i will try this 🙂 Thanks for sharing !
Analida Braeger
Mushrooms are my absolute favorite i always love to have them as a side with my breakfast!
Denise
Such a perfect and classic side dish! This would go with a variety of meals. Family dinner memories are the best, aren't they?
Carrie | Clean Eating Kitchen
This recipe sounds so delicious, what a great side! A great change from the standard peas! Look forward to trying these!
Dan from Platter Talk
Family recipes are my favorite and this is such a beautiful food story with its heartfelt origins. I've always been a lover of peas and I wish I was there when you made this one from your mom! Great recipe and story, Marisa, thanks for sharing!
Nicoletta
Beautiful traditions to carry on. Love is always the secret ingredient of any Italian recipe. Love funghi e piselli. It makes a great pasta sauce too!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
Love the sound of this side dish. Your story reminds me of my childhood as well. Mom's and baba's feeding families. Nothing was fancy, but it was ALWAYS delicious.
Sandra
I saw your recipe on Pinterest and had to swing by for a closer look. What a family treasure to share and really a nice addition to any dish. Simply scrumptious! Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Marisa Franca
Thank you for stopping by and commenting, Sandra. I hope you give it a try! Have a wonderful Sunday!!xoxo
Alyssa
I'd love this side dish on my Easter table!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Alyssa! It is a family favorite including the little ones.
Amy
Looks so yummy!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Amy!
Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
The recipe sounds wonderful! Pinning for later. This sentence really touched my heart... "Yes, she fed us delicious meals, but it was more, with every bite we knew she was feeding us food made with love." Thank you for another lovely post! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Marisa Franca
Thank you for your sweet comment, Marci! Yes, indeed, mamma's food was special because of the love she put into it.
Nancy W
You have the best recipes! Looks like a delicious side dish!
Marisa Franca
Hi, Nancy! It really is a very easy side plus it tastes good.
Teresa
Marisa, your writing is filled with the love you have for your family. That is a truly wonderful thing! Pinned and shared.
Marisa Franca
I do love my family, Teresa. It's a joy to remember and talk about them.
Clearissa
I am definitely going to try this recipe and I promise to prepare it with love. As is your tradition.
Marisa Franca
That is the secret, Clearissa!!
Grammy Dee | Grammy's Grid
♥ Such a sweet memories and a tasty looking recipe too! Shared onto Fb, G+, Pn, and Tw. ♥
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Dee!! I appreciate all of your support.
Saima
Peas and mushrooms are irresistible to me and besides, this is such a nice-looking dish. And your memories attached with it are even nicer!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Saima! Meal time with family was always very important.
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com
Marisa, *that* is my kind of family tradition! I love peas, could eat them every day, but I've never had them like this. Must add it to my repertoire! I loved reading your fond memories of how you were raised by caring parents.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Jean! I sure hit the jackpot with parents and in-laws too. Just adding the mushrooms to the peas makes them extra-special.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen
I've never seen peas paired with mushrooms before. I know my hubby would have loved it when he was allowed to eat mushrooms, back then it would have made him smile.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Val! You've taught me something new -- I didn't know that mushrooms posed health problems. I knew people liked or disliked them but I thought they were pretty innocuous. That is a shame when someone likes them. 🙁
Chiara
a great and delicious idea for Easter table ! Buona Pasqua Marisa, un abbraccio !
Marisa Franca
Ciao, Chiara! I hope you and your family are doing well. Buona Pasqua e un abbraccio forte!
Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health
Another beautiful story Marisa. I enjoy reading about your family tradition. I agree, we need to cultivate our traditions and pass it on. Peas look absolutely delicious. It's very similar to what my grandma is making.. same roots I guess 😉
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Natalie! Yes, traditions keep us tied to the past but it's an important link to the future. Have a great day!
Molly Kumar
Such a beautiful post and a flavorful recipe. I love the combination of peas with mushroom but have never made them Italian way. There's nothing like trying our mom's recipes and carrying on the tradition.
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Molly! Mom's do know best and there is something about the love they put in the dishes. 🙂
Byron Thomas
This is totally my type of side dish! I'd pair this with my Sunday roasted chicken, maybe a little mashed potato and some yummy gravy. You bring the side, Marisa! Dinner at my place next Sunday? 🙂
Marisa Franca
Sounds like a marvelous plan, Byron. 🙂
Frank
Love the simplicity of this dish. And the combination is classic. Buona Pasqua!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Frank. Makes me think my folks are still with us. Buona Pasqua e Buona Primavera!
Swathi
I haven't tried the combo of peas and mushrooms I need to try this. Yes mom's cooking is always best. I miss my mom and here dishes.
Marisa Franca
Hello, Swathi! You are so correct -- mamma didn't add a lot of fancy ingredients to her dishes but every one of them was delicious.
Gillian Thompson
I've never had peas this way but really love the idea. Always looking for more interesting ways to eat our vegetable so have pinned for later.
Marisa Franca
I'm sure you'll like the flavor combination, Gillian. Have a good week.
Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
Love the savory herbs in Italian seasoning with this pea salad - a great way to celebrate with spring veggies!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Marlynn! We do love using Italian seasoning whenever we can.
Susie
I know we'll love this recipe, especially, me.......I like anything with peas. Thanks, for another tasty recipe?
Marisa Franca
Hi, Sis! Not only do they taste good but they keep their pretty green color. Hope you have a good Sunday! Hugs to all.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
Cherished family memories are gold. As a gramma I am trying to make sure that my beautiful grandkids have special moments to remember as well. Coming from a Ukrainian family, mom and baba would always make holidays special with their wonderful cooking. Simple, yet perfect. I really miss those days and eating those meals. I have never had peas this way, but I love peas and mushrooms, so I will have to give it a try.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Gloria! That is great that you're doing as much as you can with the family. The family is so important. I really regret not asking more questions about our background and living several states away from them once I was married. Have a wonderful weekend.
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ
This sounds like such a great combination. I've never really been that creative with peas but I love the sound of this especially since there is mushrooms involved. Going to try this soon 🙂
Marisa Franca
Hi, Stephanie! It really makes the peas special. Have a great weekend.
Jovina Coughlin
Wonderful combination and a great way to give peas some character.
Marisa Franca
I agree, Jovina. And it's such a simple combination!
Elizabeth | Ellie & Elizabeth
Such a sweet sweet story, Marisa! I love to hear of your family traditions! And another great recipe to try. I'm discovering that my KY roots have sheltered me from a lot of types of cooking other than 'down home' style, lol.
Marisa Franca
Hey!! There's nothing wrong with down home cooking. We spend about six months out of the year in the South. I really love remembering about my folks -- makes them seem like they are still here. Hugs!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
I learned a new phrase. Quanto Basta. I love it! And I can't wait to try this recipe. Peas and mushrooms are two of my favorites.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Amy! If my readers approve, I plan on using a few more terms and phrases with explanations. If you look at an Italian recipe sometimes they'll use just the abbreviation QB much like we'd use tsp. Buona giornata!
Veena Azmanov
You are so lucky to have spent such wonderful memories with your mama. My mama has lived far away from me almost all my life. But the little time that my kids spent with her they still treasure. They miss her very much. These peas truly are special.
Marisa Franca
Hi, Veena! Yes, I am lucky to have had the time with my folks -- I just wish I had more. Now that I'm blogging there are so many more things I want to know. If I have any advice for children it's to ask the questions when you still have your folks. Have a great weekend!
Linda Calabrisi Hanks
I never tire of these - part of our heritage!! The perfect side for so many meals. Bella!
Marisa Franca
That they are!! I can always count on them to be a perfect compliment to any dish.
Rosemary @anitalianinmykitchen
Lovely post Marisa, I can tell you Italians sure know how to cook peas. I now love peas and so do my kids. These sound amazing. Thanks Marisa. Have a beautiful Sunday.
Marisa Franca
There were times when my kids balked at eating vegetables -- but they always gobbled up my mamma's peas. Have a wonderful weekend.
Diane P.
Oh Marisa! Does this recipe bring back memories. My mama used to make it, too. I haven't had it in years (my husband won't eat vegetables). I am going to make this recipe soon--even if I have to eat it for days---that will make-up for all the years I didn't eat it! Thank you, thank you for this post! And have a wonderful Easter with your family.
Marisa Franca
Your Welcome, Diane. Buona Pasqua!
Jovina Coughlin
Wonderful memories - they are so great to have. And, as with all Italians, they usually are around some kind of recipe or dish. Peas and mushrooms a classic.
Marisa Franca
I bet you have some wonderful family recipes that are traditional to a certain holiday 🙂
Marie
What a beautiful and meaningful post Marisa, you're exactly right, that's what life is all about!
Marisa Franca
Thank you, Marie. Buona Pasqua.