Peas, those vibrant and versatile legumes, are a delightful addition to any culinary adventure. With their sweet and tender taste, peas bring a burst of freshness to a wide range of dishes. Whether enjoyed raw in salads, lightly cooked as a side dish, or incorporated into soups, stews, and stir-fries, peas offer a satisfying texture and a touch of natural sweetness.
Peas may be small in size, but they pack a punch when it comes to health benefits. These vibrant green legumes are rich in fiber, providing digestive support. They are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a valuable addition to any diet. Peas are loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Tips for using peas
Enjoy peas as a side dish.
Ad them into soups, stews, or salads.
Use dried split peas as the main ingredient in a hearty soup.
Bake green peas (basted with a little olive oil) on a cookie sheet for a crunchy, healthy snack.
Cooking with Peas
Peas are very versatile. Not only are there many different types of peas ranging in flavours from sweet to savoury, but there are also many ways to cook peas.
Find some great recipes below:
Green peas on a stovetop: https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/how-to-cook-frozen-peas/
Crunchy roasted peas: https://www.cookitrealgood.com/roasted-peas/
Sautéed peas: https://www.healthyseasonalrecipes.com/how-to-cook-peas/
Some general tips to keep in mind when cooking peas are:
Don’t add salt until ready to serve. Salting them too early can dehydrate them, and they won’t be as sweet. Salt them after they have cooked.
Adding sugar to the peas can bring out the natural sweetness.
Storing Peas
The traditional way to store peas is in a perforated plastic bag or a breathable container in the refrigerator. A little tip is to store peas unwashed because the extra moisture from washing them can make them go bad faster once stored. Wash them right before using them.
Another way to store peas is to freeze them. You start by blanching them: briefly cook them in boiling water for about 1–2 minutes, then transfer them immediately to an ice bath to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain them and pat them dry. Freeze them in airtight freezer bags or containers and label them with the date. They can be stored for 8–12 months.
Some more unconventional ways to store peas are by making pea pesto or pea puree and freezing those in ice cube trays for easy portioning. You can also try pickling your peas and storing them in the refrigerator. Last but not least, you can dehydrate your peas in the oven or using a dehydrator, then rehydrate them as needed.
Happy cooking!
Comments