5 Delicious Pea Recipes You Must Try

Peas, those little green gems, are not just a side dish; they're a culinary delight that can transform any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrition, peas offer endless possibilities in the kitchen. From vibrant soups to refreshing salads, here are five mouthwatering pea recipes that you simply must try to elevate your culinary adventures.

1. Creamy Pea and Mint Soup

The creamy pea and mint soup is a refreshing concoction, ideal for those cool spring evenings or hot summer nights.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 500g fresh or frozen peas
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A splash of cream or Greek yogurt for garnish

Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until they turn translucent.
2. Pour in the stock and bring it to a simmer. Add the peas and cook until tender, about 5 minutes if using fresh peas, slightly less if frozen.
3. Add the fresh mint, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth using an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender.
4. Serve hot, garnished with a swirl of cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for that extra touch of luxury.

🌿 Note: For an extra burst of flavor, you can garnish this soup with feta cheese or crispy pancetta.

2. Pea and Prosciutto Pasta

Combining the saltiness of prosciutto with the sweetness of peas, this pasta dish is a delightful dance of flavors.

Ingredients:

• 250g pasta of your choice
• 150g prosciutto, torn into pieces
• 200g fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh lemon zest and juice
• Salt and pepper

Steps:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until it begins to brown.
3. Add the prosciutto, allowing it to crisp slightly.
4. Then, toss in the peas, cooking until they’re heated through.
5. Mix in the pasta, along with a good handful of Parmesan, lemon zest, and juice. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Pea Fritters with Yogurt and Mint Sauce

These pea fritters are perfect for brunch or a light dinner, offering a delightful crunch with each bite.

Ingredients for Fritters:

• 2 cups fresh or thawed peas
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup ricotta cheese
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan
• ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Ingredients for Yogurt Mint Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh mint, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Juice of ¹⁄₂ lemon
• Salt to taste

Steps:

1. Mash the peas lightly in a large bowl. Mix in the egg, ricotta, Parmesan, flour, baking powder, salt, and pepper to form a thick batter.
2. Heat oil in a frying pan. Spoon the batter into the hot oil, shaping small fritters. Fry until golden on both sides.
3. For the sauce, combine all ingredients and stir until well blended.
4. Serve the fritters hot with the cooling mint yogurt sauce on the side.

4. Spring Pea and Feta Salad

This bright salad is perfect for bringing a pop of color and flavor to your table.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas, blanched
• 150g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ¹⁄₂ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh dill, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix peas, feta, cucumber, red onion, and dill.
2. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently.
3. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish.

5. Pea Risotto with Parmesan Crisp

This risotto brings the comfort of creamy rice with the subtle sweetness of peas, topped with a crunchy Parmesan crisp.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups Arborio rice
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth, kept warm
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for crisps)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

1. In a pan, sauté the onion in butter until translucent. Add the Arborio rice and stir until the rice is glossy.
2. Add the white wine, letting it evaporate completely.
3. Gradually add the warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the rice is creamy and al dente.
4. Mix in the peas and Parmesan at the end, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. For the Parmesan crisp, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Scatter small mounds of Parmesan on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes or until crisp.

Incorporating peas into your culinary repertoire opens up a world of flavors and textures. Whether you're in the mood for something hearty like the risotto or seeking a light and refreshing dish like the spring pea salad, these recipes offer something for everyone. Beyond their delightful taste, peas are incredibly nutritious, providing fiber, protein, and an array of vitamins and minerals. With these recipes, you'll not only enjoy the burst of flavor but also the health benefits that come with it.