7 Delicious Pea Recipes You Have to Try

Discovering the wonders of peas in your kitchen is akin to unlocking a world of vibrant colors, flavors, and textures. This versatile vegetable, often underestimated, has the potential to transform your meals with its sweet, earthy taste and tender bite. From starters to the main course, and even delightful desserts, these 7 delicious pea recipes offer a culinary journey you don't want to miss. Let's explore how peas can add a unique twist to your cooking adventures!

1. Pea and Mint Soup

Starting with something light yet incredibly satisfying, this Pea and Mint Soup is a delight for all senses. Here's how you can make it:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Note: You can enhance this soup with a dollop of yogurt or cream for a creamy finish, but it's great without it too!

2. Spring Pea Risotto

Spring brings fresh peas, and what better way to showcase them than with this creamy Spring Pea Risotto:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Parmesan cheese for garnish

🌱 Note: For an extra kick, add pancetta or ham to enhance the flavor profile.

3. Spiced Pea Pilaf

For a trip to the Middle East, try this exotic Spiced Pea Pilaf:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup peas
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Here's how you prepare it:

1. Heat ghee or butter in a pan, add cumin seeds, and sauté until they start to splutter.
2. Add the rice, peas, and spices, then cook until the rice turns translucent.
3. Add hot water or broth, bring to a boil, then simmer covered until the rice is cooked.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

4. Split Pea Soup

A classic that warms the soul, Split Pea Soup is comforting and easy to make:

• 1 pound split peas, rinsed
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 ham hock or smoked ham (optional)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cups water or chicken broth

5. Pea and Feta Salad

For a quick and nutritious side or lunch, consider this Pea and Feta Salad:

• 2 cups fresh or thawed peas
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh dill or mint for garnish

Steps:

1. Blanch peas if using fresh, or use thawed peas straight from the freezer.
2. Mix with tomatoes, feta, oil, and lemon juice.
3. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with herbs.

6. Pea and Parmesan Croquettes

Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, these Pea and Parmesan Croquettes are perfect for appetizers or snacks:

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• 1 cup peas, coarsely pureed
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying

7. Pea Pancakes with Smoked Salmon

End your culinary journey with these sophisticated Pea Pancakes with Smoked Salmon:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup pea puree
• Sliced smoked salmon for topping
• Chive for garnish

The essence of these recipes lies in their simplicity, showcasing peas in ways that might not be typical but are certainly delightful. Each dish brings out the inherent sweetness and unique texture of peas, combining them with ingredients that complement or contrast their flavor.

From the comforting embrace of a pea soup to the elegance of pea pancakes with smoked salmon, these recipes encapsulate the diversity of peas in culinary applications. They serve as a testament to the fact that peas, often relegated to side dishes, can indeed take center stage in both flavor and presentation.

In exploring these recipes, you not only expand your culinary repertoire but also tap into a vegetable’s potential to add color, nutrition, and joy to your meals. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, these recipes offer inspiration, showing how one humble vegetable can lead to a myriad of delicious and memorable dishes.

Can I use frozen peas for all these recipes?

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Yes, frozen peas can substitute fresh peas in most recipes. They are often snap-frozen at the peak of ripeness, retaining much of their flavor and nutrients.

What can I replace mint with in the Pea and Mint Soup?

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Consider using basil, cilantro, or even a splash of lemon juice for a different but equally refreshing taste.

Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?

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Most of these recipes are already vegetarian or can be easily modified. For example, in the Pea and Parmesan Croquettes, use vegetable stock in your mashed potatoes if they’re not already vegetarian.