5 Delicious Recipes Using Frozen Peas You'll Love

In today's world where time is often at a premium, frozen peas offer a quick, nutritious, and versatile solution for home cooks looking to whip up a meal with minimal prep time. Often underestimated, these little green gems are packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and fiber, making them a staple in any balanced diet. In this blog post, we'll explore five delicious recipes featuring frozen peas, proving they're far more than just a side dish.

1. Pea and Mint Soup

This vibrant, velvety soup is perfect for any season. Here's how to make it:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 500g frozen peas
• 1 liter of vegetable stock
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Crème fraîche or yogurt for serving

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
2. Add the frozen peas, and sauté for a couple of minutes until they start to defrost.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes.
4. Add the mint leaves, blend the soup until smooth using a blender or an immersion blender.
5. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Serve with a swirl of crème fraîche or yogurt.

💡 Note: For a smoother consistency, strain the soup after blending. Also, pea soup tends to be more flavorful if allowed to sit for a few minutes before serving.

2. Pea and Ham Risotto

Risotto with peas is a classic Italian dish, and here’s how to make it:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 150g cooked ham, diced
• 250g frozen peas
• 1 liter of chicken or vegetable stock, hot
• 100ml white wine (optional)
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Butter for creaminess
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan, add the onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the rice and stir for about 2 minutes until the rice becomes glossy.
3. If using, add the white wine and let it evaporate.
4. Gradually add the hot stock, one ladle at a time, stirring constantly until absorbed before adding more.
5. When the rice is nearly cooked (al dente), stir in the peas and ham, allowing them to warm through.
6. Finish with a knob of butter, the Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper.

🍴 Note: Stirring risotto helps release starch, which gives the dish its creamy texture. For best results, keep your stock simmering to facilitate continuous cooking.

3. Pea Pesto Pasta

Pesto made with peas adds a bright twist to the traditional basil version. Here’s the recipe:

• 250g pasta (spaghetti or fusilli)
• 200g frozen peas, defrosted
• 50g Parmesan, grated
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• A handful of basil leaves
• Juice of half a lemon
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Boil pasta according to package instructions.
2. While pasta cooks, make the pesto. In a food processor, blend peas, Parmesan, garlic, basil, lemon juice, and oil until smooth. Season to taste.
3. Drain pasta, reserving some water. Mix the pasta with the pesto, adding pasta water if needed to achieve desired consistency.
4. Serve with additional Parmesan.

4. Pea and Spinach Fritters

These fritters are delightful as an appetizer or light meal:

• 250g frozen peas, thawed
• 200g spinach, chopped
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Oil for frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl to form a batter.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of the batter into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
4. Serve with a dip like tzatziki or a simple yogurt sauce.

5. Pea, Feta, and Mint Salad

A refreshing salad with a zesty dressing:

• 300g frozen peas, defrosted
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• A handful of mint leaves, chopped
• Dressing: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dressing by whisking all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
2. In a larger bowl, combine peas, feta, cucumber, and mint.
3. Drizzle with the dressing, toss gently to combine, and serve.

These five recipes showcase the versatility of frozen peas. They're easy to incorporate into a variety of dishes, providing both nutritional value and a pop of color. Whether you're in a rush or looking to add variety to your meals, these recipes are sure to please, proving that frozen peas are more than just a convenience food - they're a culinary treasure.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

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Yes, you can substitute fresh peas for frozen ones. Just keep in mind that fresh peas might require longer cooking times, and you’ll need to shell them first.

How do I store leftover pea soup?

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Pea soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the soup completely before storing to avoid condensation which can alter its flavor and texture.

Are there vegetarian options for these recipes?

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Absolutely! Most of these recipes can be made vegetarian-friendly. For example, replace the ham in the risotto with mushrooms, or substitute feta with a vegan cheese alternative in the salad.

Related Terms:

• frozen peas recipe
• Saut ed peas
• Creamed peas
• Pea puree
• Peas and pearl onions
• Kentang tumbuk