Skip to main content

Spring Vegetables with Shallots and Lemon

Fava beans, asparagus, and sugar snap peas are the essence of the season in this vibrant spring dish with a citrus twist; the caramelized shallots are a sweet counterpoint to the zesty zing of the fresh lemon. While this makes a terrific side dish for roasted meats like ham, turkey, or chicken, you can also toss it with pasta or rice for a main-course meal.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
4 shallots, cut crosswise into thin slices
1 pound sugar snap peas, trimmed
1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1/2-inch slices
3 pounds fresh fava beans, shelled, blanched in boiling water 1 minute, and outer skins removed; or 1 pound frozen Fordhook lima beans, blanched and, if desired, skinned
2 (3-inch) strips lemon zest removed with a vegetable peeler and cut crosswise into julienne strips
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides. Sauté the shallots, stirring, until tender, about 2 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the shallots to a bowl.

    Step 2

    In fat remaining in skillet, sauté the snap peas with salt to taste, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender. Add to shallots in bowl.

    Step 3

    In skillet, heat remaining tablespoon oil and 1/2 tablespoon butter over moderately high heat until foam subsides. Sauté the asparagus with salt to taste, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender.

    Step 4

    Add the fava or lima beans and sauté, stirring occasionally, 2 minutes. Add the zest, lemon juice, snap peas and shallots, and salt and pepper to taste and sauté, stirring, until just heated through.

The Epicurious Cookbook
Read More
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Like crispy gnocchi caprese and raspberry—brown butter skillet cake.
Like hot honey chicken with peaches and a dirty martini spritz.
A flurry of fresh tarragon makes this speedy weeknight dish of seared cod and luscious, sun-colored pan sauce feel restaurant worthy.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
A spicy-funky upgrade for lettuce cups, sandwiches, and more.