Peas with Parma Ham (Rome)

Appetizers

Ingredients

Fresh green peas - 3 - 3 1/2 pounds

Butter - 4 tbsps

Onion, finely chopped - 1 small

Salt and pepper

Hot stock or water - 2/3 cup

Sugar (optional) - pinch

Parma ham, cut in strips - 3-4 oz

Triangles of bread fried in butter - optional

Shell the peas. Melt the butter and saute the onion over a low heat until it begins to change color. Add the peas, season with salt and pepper, and moisten with stock. Cook over a brisk heat for 10 minutes, if cooking fresh young peas or until tender with older ones. No sugar is required with roman peas - but some peas may need some sugar to sweeten them. Two minutes before peas are ready, add the ham and stir gently.

Correctly arranged, this dish can look very attractive with the fresh green of the peas and the bright red of parma ham. It can be served with triangles of crisply fried bread if desired.

Serves 4