Easy Green Peas with Ham (Guisantes con Jamón) is a quick Spanish side dish that combines sweet peas with salty cured ham, sautéed in olive oil with onion and garlic.
It’s ready in less than 30 minutes and works just as well as a tapa, a side, or a light meal. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it timeless.
When I lived in Spain, I quickly learned that everyday meals didn’t need to be complicated to be delicious. Lunches at friends' homes often included a spread of simple tapas, and one dish I saw again and again was guisantes con jamón, green peas sautéed with ham, onion, and garlic.
I remember the first time I ate it in Madrid. The peas were tender but still bright, the ham salty and rich, and the whole dish had come together in just minutes. No one measured anything, no one fussed, but the flavors were perfect. That’s what I loved most about Spanish cooking: it was humble, honest, and rooted in tradition.
This recipe became part of my own kitchen routine while living there, and even now, it takes me right back to those afternoons in Spain whenever I make it.
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This recipe is part of my collection of Spanish recipes, where you can find a multitude of traditional recipes to make at home when you want to virtually travel to Spain, like this Spanish Cod In Tomato Sauce, Almond Cake (Tarta De Santiago), or Potato Salad (Ensaladilla Rusa), just to name a few.
Why This Recipe Works
- Versatility – Serve as a tapa, a side dish, or with an egg on top for a complete meal.
- Authentic roots – This is a classic Spanish home recipe.
- Simple ingredients – A handful of pantry staples, nothing fancy.
- Quick method – One pan, 20 minutes cooking, and dinner is on the table.
Ingredients
- Olive oil – the base of most Spanish cooking, adds richness.
- Onion – for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – a must in Mediterranean kitchens, adds aroma.
- Ham (Serrano, Iberico, or prosciutto as a substitute) – salty and savory, the main flavor enhancer.
- Green peas (fresh or frozen) – the star of the dish, naturally sweet.
- Red bell pepper (optional) – adds color and a hint of sweetness.
- Salt and pepper – adjust to taste and balance flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by chopping an onion and a few cloves of garlic. Chop the ham or bacon very small. Heat some extra virgin olive oil in a cooking pan and add onions, garlic, red pepper, and ham.
Saute them until translucent. Add the green peas (I added frozen ones) and let them cook together.
Lower the heat to medium-low and add 3-4 tablespoons of water. Cover the pan with a lid and let the peas cook until soft. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
Serve warm by itself or as a side dish with some meat or a salad.
Expert Tip
If you can find Spanish ham, like Serrano or Iberico, use it for the most authentic flavor. If you’re substituting with prosciutto or another cured ham, reduce the salt since those can be stronger.
How to Serve
- As a tapa with crusty bread and a glass of Spanish wine, next to Spanish Migas With Chorizo.
- With roasted chicken, fish, or pork chops.
- As a light meal on its own, topped with a fried egg, very traditional in Spain.
- With rustic bread to soak up the juices.
How to Store
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Freezer: I do not recommend it, as peas lose their texture once frozen and reheated.
Enjoy!
📖 Recipe
Easy Green Peas with Ham- Spanish Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces green peas a bag of frozen peas is perfect
- 8 ounces Ham (Serrano, Iberico, or prosciutto)
- 1 medium onion chopped small
- 3 garlic cloves chopped small
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons water
- Optional: ½ small red pepper chopped into small cubes
Instructions
- Heat up the oil in a medium size pan.
- Add the ham, onion, garlic, and red pepper(optional).
- Saute them until the onion becomes translucent and the meat is cooked.
- Add the peas and the water.
- Cover with the lid and let them cook together for a few minutes until the peas are soft and the sauce is reduced.
- Serve warm by itself or as a side dish with your preferred meat.
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