Delicious Pea Recipes: Quick & Easy Side Dishes

Discovering the Joy of Fresh Peas

Peas are a delightful addition to any meal, offering a burst of flavor and nutrition. This blog post will guide you through a collection of delicious pea recipes that you can prepare quickly and easily, making them perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want a hassle-free side dish.

Minty Green Pea Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh green peas
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• Fresh mint leaves, a handful
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the peas for about 3 minutes until tender, then cool under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine peas, chopped red onion, and mint leaves.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Mix well and, if desired, add crumbled feta for an extra touch.

🌱 Note: This salad can be made ahead of time; the flavors meld beautifully if left to sit.

Creamy Pea Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, warm
• 1 cup fresh or thawed peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ cup white wine (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¹⁄₄ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in butter until translucent, then add Arborio rice and cook until slightly toasted.
2. Pour in the wine if using, and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.
3. Add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring until each addition is absorbed before adding more.
4. When the rice is nearly done, stir in peas, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Finish by stirring in Parmesan cheese, season to taste with salt and pepper.

🍲 Note: Risotto requires attention, but the creamy texture is well worth it!

Spiced Pea Croquettes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked peas
• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cumin
• Oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mash the peas until somewhat smooth but still with some texture.
2. Add breadcrumbs, egg, garam masala, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Mix well.
3. Form into small balls or patties.
4. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes each side.

👩‍🍳 Note: These croquettes make for a great appetizer or snack!

Herby Lemon Pea Mash

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the peas for about 5 minutes or until tender.
2. Strain the peas and mash lightly with a fork.
3. Add lemon zest, juice, herbs, and olive oil. Season to taste.

🌿 Note: This mash is a refreshing twist to the traditional pea mash.

Quick Tips for Perfect Peas

• Don’t Overcook: Peas should be tender but still vibrant. Overcooking can make them mushy.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: While fresh peas are ideal, frozen peas are convenient and retain much of the nutrition.
• Enhance Flavor: Pair peas with flavors like mint, lemon, or light spices to elevate their taste.

Throughout this post, we've explored various ways to enjoy peas, from easy side dishes to appetizers and snacks. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy recipe or something a bit more sophisticated, peas can be your versatile ingredient. Their sweet, fresh taste can brighten any meal, and the recipes we've shared are designed to make the most of this humble vegetable.

What is the best way to store fresh peas?

+

Store fresh peas in the refrigerator. If they come in pods, keep them in a perforated bag to allow for air circulation, which helps maintain freshness. They can last for about 5 days this way.

Can I use frozen peas for these recipes?

+

Absolutely! Frozen peas are flash-frozen at their peak, preserving their flavor and nutrients. They are a great substitute for fresh peas in all of these recipes, often requiring less cooking time.

How can I incorporate more nutrients into these pea dishes?

+

Adding vegetables like spinach or kale to the risotto or incorporating nuts or seeds into the salad can boost the nutritional value. Also, consider using whole grain rice for extra fiber in your pea dishes.