Quick and Easy Peas and Carrots

This peas and carrots recipe is a delicious and easy side dish that features crispy bacon, butter, and thyme. The sweetness of the carrots and peas pairs perfectly with the smoky, salty bacon and the earthy flavor of the thyme, making it a flavorful and nutritious dish everyone will love!

You are going to love this irresistible, quick, and easy vegetable side dish that goes with everything. Made with frozen peas and carrots, crispy bacon, butter, and thyme, this recipe is not only a breeze to whip up, but it’s also a nutritious addition to any meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a tasty and satisfying dish that’s sure to wow everyone.

Peas and carrots go so well together because they are in season at the same time. Which makes them the perfect side dish that is not only nutritious but packed with so much flavor. You can pair it with any main dish for a hearty dinner that is light, healthy, and satisfying.

Plus, carrots are so versatile and kids also love them!

Be sure to check out Air Fryer Carrots, Ranch Roasted Carrots, Carrot Raisin Salad, and Roasted Potatoes and Carrots too!

How to add flavor to peas and carrots

• Season with herbs and spices: Like thyme, rosemary, or basil, or spices like cumin, paprika, or garlic powder.
• Add butter or olive oil: Toss with a small amount of butter or olive oil to add richness and depth of flavor.
• Top with crispy bacon: Crumbled crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the peas and carrots.
• Mix with other vegetables: Add variety and texture to your dish by mixing other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Use a flavorful broth: Instead of cooking your peas and carrots in water, use a flavorful broth like chicken or vegetable broth to infuse them with extra flavor.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Convenience: Frozen peas and carrots are readily available year-round, making this a convenient, quick option for a last-minute side.
• Time-saving: Ready in less than 15 minutes!
• Healthy: Packed with vitamins and minerals, which makes this a healthy and nutritious addition to any meal.
• Versatile: This recipe can be easily adapted to suit different tastes by adding herbs, spices, or other vegetables.
• Budget-friendly: Both carrots and peas are affordable options, making this dish a budget-friendly choice.

Ingredients you will need

• Frozen peas and carrots: You will need about 16 ounces of store-bought frozen peas and carrots. Which are a great option for a quick and easy inexpensive side dish. They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals and fiber. 
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the seasonal vegetables.
• Garlic and shallots: These aromatic vegetables add depth and complexity of flavor to the dish.
• Thyme: A versatile herb with earthy and slightly floral notes, which pairs well with veggies.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and creating a well-balanced dish.

How to make peas and carrots

1. Spread the chopped bacon in a skillet and cook until crispy, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
2. Add chopped shallots and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add the frozen peas and carrots to the skillet and sauté until they’re heated through and slightly browned.
4. Then add butter and thyme to the skillet and stir until the butter is melted and the thyme is fragrant.
5. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over everything.
6. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe variations

Here are a few ways to mix this recipe up with different variations. 

• Lemon and Parmesan: Add some fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
• Creamy Bacon and Ranch: Top with crumbled bacon and ranch dressing for a creamy and tangy side dish.
• Indian Spiced: Use cumin seeds, coriander, garam masala, and turmeric for a flavorful and aromatic side.
• Use different herbs: Like dill, mint, parsley, basil, or oregano.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook: Frozen peas and carrots cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Overcooking can cause them to become mushy and lose their bright color and flavor.
• Season well: Be sure to season them well with salt, pepper, herbs, or spices.
• Don’t thaw before cooking: Frozen veggies cook best on the stovetop when they’re still frozen. Thawing them before cooking can cause them to become mushy and lose their texture.
• Use medium-high heat: Use medium-high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. This will help the veggies brown and caramelize properly.

Serving suggestions

Here are a few suggestions for ways to serve this amazing side dish:

• As a side dish: With roasted chicken, grilled steak, or baked fish.
• In a salad: Toss with mixed greens, crumbled feta cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and healthy salad.
• In a stir-fry: Add to a stir-fry with other vegetables, like broccoli and bell peppers, and your choices of protein, like shrimp or tofu.
• With mashed potatoes: Serve alongside a heaping scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combination.
• In a pot pie: Mix them in a pot pie with shredded chicken, diced potatoes, and a creamy sauce for a warm and comforting meal.
• In a soup: Combine in a vegetable or chicken soup for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition.

Can you use fresh peas and carrots?

Yes, you can. Here is how to do it!

1. Saute the bacon in a medium skillet then remove it from the pan. Leave the bacon grease in the skillet.
2. Add the sliced carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes, then add fresh peas and minced garlic, and shallots. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Combine the butter, crumbled bacon, and fresh thyme leaves with the veggies and stir until the butter is melted and the vegetables are coated.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot as a side dish.

Are peas and carrots healthy?

Yes, they are! Here are a few reasons they are good for you. 

• Rich in nutrients: They are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, potassium, and folate.
• Low in calories: Both peas and carrots are low in calories, making them a great addition to a healthy, balanced diet.
• Good for digestion: Full of fiber that helps promote healthy digestion and can prevent constipation.
• May improve eye health: Carrots are particularly high in vitamin A, which is important for maintaining healthy eyes and preventing vision problems.
• May lower the risk of chronic diseases: Eating a diet rich in vegetables is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, and diabetes.

Storing and reheating instructions

• Store: Transfer cooked peas and carrots to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat: Easily reheat in a microwave-safe dish, covered with a damp paper towel, and cook until heated through. Reheat on the stove in a saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
• Freeze for later: If you have a lot of leftovers you can freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

More healthy vegetable side dishes

• Air Fryer Vegetables
• Roasted potatoes and asparagus
• Easy Roasted potatoes and green beans
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
• Mashed Butternut Squash

Did you try this recipe? If you did, then please leave a rating and comment below. I would love to hear how yours turned out!

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