Peas and Potatoes with Bay Leaves and Black Pepper
Photo: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Jesse Silver
Right before serving, grind fresh pepper straight into the serving bowl–you want that spicy burst mingling with the sweet smell of melting butter.
How to Make It
Step 1
1
Put potatoes in a large heavy saucepan with bay leaves, salt to taste, and enough water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, covered. Reduce heat and simmer potatoes until just tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
2
Drain all but 1/4 cup water from potatoes. Add peas (rinse with cold water if frozen) and salt to taste. Cook over medium-heat until peas are just tender and warmed through, about 7 minutes for fresh peas and 5 for frozen. Drain. Stir in half of butter and grind in pepper.
Step 3
3
Serve hot, topped with remaining butter.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: For potatoes, a few hours (keep them in the pot and tip out most of the water). Add peas and reheat.
Step 5
5
*Mediterranean bay leaves, the traditional type used in cooking, have an oval shape and milder flavor than California bay leaves, which are long and pointed and have a pungent flavor.
Ingredients
About 1 lb. tiny yellow or red thin-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
2 dried Mediterranean bay leaves*
Kosher salt
5 cups fresh shelled or frozen peas
5 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Directions
Step 1
1
Put potatoes in a large heavy saucepan with bay leaves, salt to taste, and enough water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, covered. Reduce heat and simmer potatoes until just tender, 10 to 15 minutes.
Step 2
2
Drain all but 1/4 cup water from potatoes. Add peas (rinse with cold water if frozen) and salt to taste. Cook over medium-heat until peas are just tender and warmed through, about 7 minutes for fresh peas and 5 for frozen. Drain. Stir in half of butter and grind in pepper.
Step 3
3
Serve hot, topped with remaining butter.
Step 4
4
Make ahead: For potatoes, a few hours (keep them in the pot and tip out most of the water). Add peas and reheat.
Step 5
5
*Mediterranean bay leaves, the traditional type used in cooking, have an oval shape and milder flavor than California bay leaves, which are long and pointed and have a pungent flavor.
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