Mediterranean Peas with Parmesan Cobbler

Mediterranean Peas with Parmesan Cobbler

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Mediterranean Peas with Parmesan Cobbler is a cozy yet vibrant dish that combines sweet green peas, Mediterranean herbs, and creamy sauce, all baked under a fluffy, cheesy Parmesan biscuit topping. This savory cobbler is a twist on traditional comfort food, offering the freshness of Mediterranean flavors with the warmth of a baked casserole.

It’s an excellent side dish or a light vegetarian main, perfect for spring and summer when peas are in season—but just as delicious with frozen peas year-round.

Time Required:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Bake Time: 20–25 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Mediterranean Pea Filling:

3 cups fresh or frozen green peas (no need to thaw if frozen)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small red onion, finely diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced

¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional for extra flavor)

½ teaspoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ cup vegetable broth or water

½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional for topping before baking)

For the Parmesan Cobbler Topping:

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

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¼ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 tablespoons cold butter, cubed

½ cup buttermilk (or ½ cup milk + 1 teaspoon lemon juice)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pea Filling:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add red onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.

Stir in garlic, cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add peas, cherry tomatoes, olives, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2 more minutes until slightly thickened.

Transfer the pea mixture to a 9-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet. Sprinkle with feta cheese if using.

Make the Parmesan Cobbler Topping:

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and Parmesan.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.

Assemble and Bake:

Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler dough over the pea mixture, leaving some gaps for steam to escape.

Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cobbler topping is golden and cooked through.

Serve:

Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a vegetarian main dish with a side salad.

Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.

Enjoy with crusty bread or extra feta on the side.

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Tips & Variations

Tips:

Use Frozen Peas for Convenience:
Frozen peas work perfectly and keep their sweetness and texture. No need to thaw—just add them straight to the skillet.

Keep the Butter Cold:
For a light and fluffy cobbler topping, use cold butter and handle the dough gently to avoid overmixing.

Don’t Overbake:
Bake until the cobbler topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the biscuit topping comes out clean. Overbaking can dry out the cobbler.

Customize Texture:
Leave small gaps between the cobbler drops so steam can escape, which helps keep the biscuits crisp on top but soft underneath.

Add Fresh Herbs at the End:
For the freshest Mediterranean flavor, sprinkle fresh basil, parsley, or dill over the cobbler right before serving.

Variations:

Make It Vegan:
Use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk with lemon (for buttermilk substitute), and vegan Parmesan or omit the cheese entirely.

Cheesy Upgrade:
Mix mozzarella, crumbled feta, or goat cheese into the pea filling for an extra creamy texture.

Add Protein:
Stir in cooked chickpeas, white beans, or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this into a full meal.

Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of Aleppo pepper, harissa paste, or more red pepper flakes for a Mediterranean spicy twist.

Swap the Vegetables:
Add zucchini, spinach, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean veggies.

Use Puff Pastry Instead of Cobbler:
For a different texture, cover the pea mixture with puff pastry or phyllo dough instead of biscuit topping for a Greek-inspired twist.

Q&A

Q: Can I make Mediterranean Peas with Parmesan Cobbler ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the pea filling up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Assemble with the cobbler topping just before baking to keep the biscuits fresh and fluffy.

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Q: What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Make an easy buttermilk substitute by mixing ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Q: Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
A: It’s not recommended because canned peas tend to be mushy. Frozen or fresh peas will give you the best texture and color.

Q: Is this cobbler gluten-free?
A: Not as written, but you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour to make the cobbler topping gluten-free.

Q: Can I serve this as a main dish?
A: Absolutely! It’s hearty enough for a vegetarian main, especially if you add chickpeas, white beans, or extra cheese.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving – based on 6 servings)

Calories: 290

Protein: 9g

Total Fat: 16g

Saturated Fat: 7g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 4g

Sodium: 540mg

Cholesterol: 25mg

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on optional add-ins and cheese choices.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean Peas with Parmesan Cobbler is a creative, comforting dish that blends the bright flavors of the Mediterranean with classic baked comfort food. The sweet peas, savory olives, and tomatoes pair beautifully with the fluffy Parmesan biscuit topping, creating a side or main that feels both indulgent and fresh. Whether you’re serving this at a dinner party or for a cozy family meal, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.