Peas with Serrano ham, known as guisantes con jamón, is a delicious and super popular side dish in Spain.
It is made with fresh or frozen peas and Serrano ham. Some recipes also include onion, leek, a splash of white wine, or vegetable stock. Every cook and every household has their version, with variations and details that make the same recipe unique.
Peas with ham are usually served as a side dish, but they can also be served as a light meal at lunch or dinner with a fried egg on top (my personal favorite!).
Traditionally in Spain, it is made with Serrano ham, but it can also be made with Italian Parma ham or even bacon in case you can’t find either ham.
The dish is tender, slightly creamy, and super delicious.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients needed to make this classic dish of Spanish peas and ham:
- Peas – The main ingredient of the dish. You can use fresh or frozen peas, both versions will taste great.
- Serrano ham bits – Iberian ham is also a great option. You can also use Italian parma ham if you can’t find it. Cut thick slices into small pieces if you can’t find ham bits.
- Garlic clove – Use fresh garlic; don’t use store-bought pre-minced garlic or garlic powder.
- White onion – Alternatively you can use a yellow or red onion. Use a fresh onion – don’t use onion powder.
- Olive oil – I recommend olive oil for this recipe. However, if you don’t have olive oil on hand, use a neutral-tasting oil like avocado oil or sunflower oil.
- Salt – Enhances the overall taste of the dish. Adjust to taste.
- Black pepper – Use freshly cracked pepper for the best taste. Adjust to taste.
Recipe Tips
- For convenience, you can use frozen peas – they are easy to keep in the freezer.
- If you don’t like onions, you can skip them or add another vegetable such as leeks or shallots.
- When frying the serrano ham, avoid over-frying it to prevent it from becoming too salty. Also, don’t add too much salt to the peas since the fried serrano ham will already be quite salty.
- Although not traditional, adding chili flakes can add a delicious spicy kick to the dish.
- For the best flavor, use Spanish Serrano ham (or even better, Iberian ham). If you can’t find these, Italian Parma ham is a good substitute. In either case, buy a couple of thick slices and cut them into small bits. In Spain, you can find pre-cut Serrano ham bits ready to use.
- As an alternative, you can also use bacon instead of ham – but it will change the flavor of the final dish quite a bit.
How to Make Spanish Peas with Ham – Step by Step Instructions
First, peel the onion, cut it in half, and dice it finely. Also, peel and mince the garlic clove.
If you’re using fresh peas, deshell them now.
In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
Then add the minced garlic and cook for a couple more minutes until the onion and garlic are golden and fragrant.
Add the serrano ham bits and cook them on medium heat for about 1 minute, ensuring they don’t burn.
Add the peas to the pan, mix well, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes.
Serve the peas with ham as a side dish to meat dishes or as a light lunch or dinner with a fried egg on top. Enjoy!
Storage Tips
Guisantes con jamón can be made in advance and kept in the fridge in sealed containers for up to 4 to 5 days.
Related Recipes
Here are some other classic Spanish dishes if you’re looking for more:
- Escalivada (Cold Spanish Roasted Vegetables)
- Ensalada Murciana (Murcia-Style Salad)
- Artichokes w/ Serrano Ham (Spanish Alcachofas con jamón)
- Lombarda de Navidad (Spanish Red Cabbage)
- Ensalada Mixta (Spanish Mixed Green Salad)
Peas with Ham (Spanish Guisantes con Jamón)
Ingredients
- 1/2 white onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 3 cups peas, frozen or fresh (deshelled if using fresh)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup serrano ham bits, (see notes)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Peel the onion, cut it in half, and dice finely. Peel and mince the garlic clove.1/2 white onion, 1 garlic clove
- If using fresh peas, deshell them.3 cups peas
- In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add the minced garlic and cook for a couple more minutes until the onion and garlic are golden and fragrant.2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add the serrano ham bits and cook them on medium heat for about 1 minute, ensuring they don’t burn.1 cup serrano ham bits
- Add the peas to the pan, mix well, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes.1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Serve as a side dish or as a light lunch or dinner with a fried egg on top.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen peas – both versions are delicious.
- For the best flavor, use Spanish Serrano ham or Iberian ham. Italian Parma ham is a good substitute. Buy a couple of thick slices and cut them into small bits. Alternatively, you can use bacon instead of ham – but it will noticeably change the flavor of the final dish.
- If you don’t like onions, you can skip them or add another vegetable such as leeks or shallots.
- Avoid over-frying the ham to prevent it from becoming too salty.
- Don’t add too much salt to the peas since the fried serrano ham will already be quite salty.
- Although not traditional, adding chili flakes can add a delicious spicy kick to the dish.
Nutrition
This nutritional information has been estimated by an online nutrition calculator. It should only be seen as a rough calculation and not a replacement for professional dietary advice.
