1headlettuce, washed and shredded (reserve some whole leaves for serving)
12pearl onions, peeled
2slicesbacon, chopped (optional)
1teaspoonflour
salt and freshly ground pepper
2 1/2cupssalted water
1pinchsugar
1poundpeas, fresh or frozen
3sprigsparsley
Instructions
Heat the butter in a saucepan. Add the shredded lettuce, retaining some of the outside leaves for garnish. Add chopped bacon and cook until it browns. Add the pearl onions and cook for 2 minutes. Stir in the flour and seasoning. Add the salted water and sugar and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the fresh peas, if using, and parsley.
Simmer 20 - 30 minutes until peas and onions are tender. Most of the liquid should be absorbed and the consistency should be creamy. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary by adding more salt and pepper.
Serve on lettuce leaves.
If using frozen peas, reduce cooking time to 5 minutes, but cook the lettuce, bacon and onion for 15 minutes before adding the peas.