Peas a la Francaise Recipe: French Peas with Poached Egg 2026

Peas a la francaise is a classic French dish that proves how simple ingredients can turn into something elegant. Tender peas are gently cooked with onion, lettuce and bacon, then finished with a light creamy sauce and a soft poached egg on top.

It is a humble country-style preparation that has been enjoyed in French homes and restaurants for generations, and it comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it as a main course for a cozy dinner or as a side for grilled meats and baked fish.

The combination of sweet peas, smoky bacon and buttery lettuce is what makes this dish so satisfying. A runny poached egg adds richness and turns it into a complete meal.

Ingredients for Peas a la Francaise

For 4 servings

• 30 g butter
• 100 g bacon, cut into strips
• 1 medium onion
• 1 head of lettuce
• 500 g fresh or frozen peas
• 100 ml whole milk
• 100 ml water
• Salt
• Ground white pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 4 eggs

How to Make Peas a la Francaise Step by Step

1. Cook the Bacon with the Butter

Heat a skillet over medium heat with 30 g of butter. Once melted, add 100 g of bacon strips and cook until golden.

2. Add the Onion and Sauté

Cut 1 medium onion into small pieces and add it to the skillet. Cook until it begins to soften and turn translucent.

3. Add the Lettuce and Sauté

Cut 1 head of lettuce into julienne strips, after washing it well beforehand. Add it to the skillet and sauté until it softens.

4. Add the Peas and Sauté

Add 500 g of fresh or frozen peas and sauté the mixture for a couple of minutes.

5. Add the Milk, Water and Seasoning

Add 100 ml of whole milk and 100 ml of water. Season with salt and pepper to taste and let it cook over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, until the sauce has reduced a little.

6. Cook the Poached Eggs

While the peas are cooking and shortly before they are done, prepare the poached eggs. To do this, form a little packet with sturdy plastic wrap by placing it in a small cup and cracking the egg inside. Cook the eggs in boiling water for 3-5 minutes, until they are cooked to your liking. Remove from the heat, take off the plastic and set aside until serving time.

7. Thicken the Sauce with Cornstarch

To finish, dilute 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water, add it to the skillet and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.

8. Plate the Peas and Egg

Assemble each portion by placing the peas as a base and topping them with a poached egg.

9. Serve Immediately

Serve the peas a la francaise immediately to enjoy them freshly made.

Tips for the Best Peas a la Francaise

Use Fresh or Frozen Peas

Fresh peas in season give the sweetest result, but good-quality frozen peas work beautifully too. Avoid canned peas, as they turn mushy and lose their bright flavor.

Keep the Poached Eggs Soft

Cook the eggs for 3-5 minutes so the yolk stays runny. A soft yolk mixes into the creamy peas and makes every bite richer.

Serve It as a Main or a Side

These peas make a perfect side for grilled meats and baked fish, or a light main course with a poached egg on top. Serve right away so the lettuce stays tender and the sauce creamy.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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