Peas Braised with Lettuce and Onions

1. 1

   Remove wilted leaves, trim the stems, and wash the lettuce heads carefully so they will not break apart.

2. 2

   Cut into quarters.

3. 3

   Wind several loops of string about each quarter to keep it in shape as much as possible during the cooking.

4. 4

   Bring the butter, water, and seasonings to the boil in the saucepan.

5. 5

   Then add the peas and toss to cover them with the liquid.

6. 6

   Bury the parsley in their midst.

7. 7

   Arrange the lettuce quarters over them and baste with the liquid.

8. 8

   Pierce a cross in the root ends of the onions (for even cooking) and disperse them among the lettuce quarters.

9. 9

   So that the cooking steam will condense and fall back onto the peas, invert a lid over the saucepan and fill it with cold water or ice cubes; or use a soup plate.

10. 10

    Bring the peas to the boil and boil slowly for 20 to 30 minutes or until tender.

11. 11

    Several times during this period, remove the cover and toss the peas and vegetables to insure even cooking.

12. 12

    As the water warms up and evaporates in the cover or soup plate, refill with ice cubes or cold water.

13. 13

    When the peas are tender their cooking liquid should have almost entirely evaporated.

14. 14

    Correct seasoning.

15. 15

    Discard the parsley and the lettuce strings.

16. 16

    Just before serving, toss the peas and onions with the butter.

17. 17

    Turn them into the vegetable dish, place the lettuce around the edge of the dish, and serve at once.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.