Vegetables have always been an important part of our family dinners, and I am constantly looking for simple ways to make them a little more interesting. These lime peas and corn in tomato cups do exactly that.
Sweet peas and corn are tossed with butter, fresh lime zest, and lime juice, then spooned into gently warmed tomatoes for a colorful side dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
After decades of cooking for my family, I have learned that presentation can turn even the simplest ingredients into something special.
Ready in only 15 minutes, this recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet lovely enough to serve to guests.
A Note From Giangi
Ingredients needed to make this recipe
This is a short introduction. The ingredient list is also brief. It includes essential items that you may already have in your pantry. Please read the recipe for complete instructions.
Tomatoes, ripe if at all possible and all the same size.
Unsalted butter; always use unsalted butter. You want to have control of the seasoning, and salted butter will not only add too much salt to your dish but also change its flavor.
Frozen peas and corn the star of this dish. I love to use small peas as they are flavorful and easier to enjoy.
Sugar is here to balance the acidity of the lime and the tomatoes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper are the seasoning needed for this recipe.
Lime rind, zested and juiced, gives a great balance with the sugar and the sweetness of the peas and corn.
Step-by-step instructions on how to make these delicious tomato cups
For all my recipes, please gather all the ingredients before you start cooking or baking, and I will guide you every step of the way.
- Start by cutting the tomatoes crosswise and using a measuring spoon or a grapefruit spoon (sharp edges), hollow out the tomatoes, and leave about a 1/4-inch-thick wall.
- Arrange the tomatoes on a baking tray, hollow side up. Season the cavity with salt and pepper, and place them in a preheated oven at 180°F for 10-15 minutes, just long enough to warm them through.
- Heat the butter in a medium saucepan. When it is hot, add the peas, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the lime zest and the juice, toss, and spoon into the tomato cups.
Giangi’s Pro Tips
- Be careful when removing the interior seeds of your tomatoes so as not to pierce the walls.
- Keep the seeds if you wish and store them for later use.
What dishes can you enjoy with this lime peas in tomato cups?
This side dish is perfect with most meats, chicken, and seafood.
Great at holiday time alongside roasted rack of lamb with caramelized crust or flat iron steak.
Variations and Substitutions
You can omit the frozen corn and double the amount of peas.
Storing and Reheating
Store: Store your leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
Reheat: Bring back to room temperature. Place in an oven-proof dish and reheat in the oven for about 5 minutes.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may want to try my other recipes.
Lime Peas, Corn in Tomato Cups
Ingredients
- 3 tomatoes, ripe
- 2 teaspoons unsalted butter
- 6 ounces frozen peas
- 6 ounces frozen corn
- ¼ teaspoon sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- ⅕ tsp ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 lime, juiced
Instructions
- Cut the tomatoes in half crosswise and using a metal measuring spoon (the regular spoons have sharp edges), hollow them out, leaving a wall about ¼” thick.
- Arrange the tomatoes on a baking tray, hollow side up. I like to sprinkle some additional salt and fresh ground pepper at this point in the cavity of the tomatoes. Place them in a 180° oven for 10-15 minutes, just long enough to warm them through.
- Heat the butter in a medium saucepan. When is hot, add the peas, sugar, salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, then add the lime zest and the juice, toss to mix well and spoon the peas into the tomatoes cups.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Giangi’s Kitchen provides nutritional information, but these figures should be considered estimates, as a registered dietician does not calculate them.
- Course: Sides
- Cuisine: French
- Type: Under 45 minutes
Did you make this?
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