Syrian Peas with Allspice Recipe

This simple, fragrant dish is so popular that there are rarely any leftovers. The key to its unique taste is the allspice, which turns mundane peas into something memorable. An easy-to-make side dish with real appeal!

INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup coarsely chopped yellow onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
3 cups thinly sliced white mushrooms
1/4 cup cold water
One 20-ounce package frozen peas (preferably small), defrosted
1/4 teaspoon salt
Several grindings of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon allspice

1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium hat and cook the onions, stirring, until golden and soft, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic turns golden, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms and cook until they begin to turn brown and soften, 3 to 4 minutes.

2. Add the water and peas. Cover and cook over medium heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the salt, pepper, and allspice and mix well. Cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve hot in a medium-sized bowl or over rice.

Serves 5.

Read more: Food, All recipes, Side Dishes

Adapted from A Fistful of Lentils, by Jennifer Felicia Abadi (Harvard Common Press, 2002). Copyright (c) 2002 by Jennifer Abadi. Reprinted by permission of Harvard Common Press.
Adapted from A Fistful of Lentils, by Jennifer Felicia Abadi (Harvard Common Press, 2002).