- 3 cups fresh peas (shelled from 3 to 6 pounds peas in pods) or thawed frozen peas (1 pound)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped chervil, chives, or mint
- Bring a large heavy saucepan of salted water (4 teaspoons salt for 2 quarts water) to a rolling boil, then slowly add peas so water maintains a boil. Stir in sugar and cook peas, uncovered, until tender, 5 to 12 minutes, depending on size of peas.
- Drain peas in a colander.
- Boil cream in saucepan until reduced by half, 2 to 3 minutes. Add butter, peas, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and salt to taste and cook over medium heat, stirring, until butter is melted and peas are warmed through. Stir in chervil.