Recipes involving Peas!!

Peas are available all year round in our country. We have the privilege of enjoying fresh peas from fall to spring and savoring their delicious organic taste. Peas have a sweet as well as savory flavor, and they have a very low calorie count.

Here are some simple recipes involving peas to try out this season…

Green Pea and Radish Salad

Ingredients:

Peas
Radishes
Red beans
Mint leaves
Feta
Lemon juice
Olive oil
Honey

Directions:

Boil the red beans and the peas in hot boiling water and then put in ice cold water to thaw (this retains the freshness and the color of both, the beans and the peas). Drain and dry and put them in a bowl. Add 1/2 a bunch of fresh mint leaves; 2 radishes, trimmed and sliced; and 150g feta, crumbled. Whisk 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice; 60ml (1/4 cup) of olive oil; and 1 teaspoon of honey in a jug. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.

Pea and Green Onion Rice

Ingredients:

Rice
Chicken or vegetable stock
Water
Salt n pepper
Peas
Onions

Directions:

Place the rice, stock and 2 1/2 cups of cold water in a large saucepan over high heat. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer, partially covered, for 12 to 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and add the peas and onions. Let it remain covered for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Cool.

Peas and Mint Pesto

Ingredients:

Frozen peas
Mint leaves
Cheese
Garlic
Black pepper
Olive oil
Lemon juice (Optional)

Directions:

In a food processor, combine a bag of thawed frozen peas, a handful each of mint leaves and grated cheese, a garlic clove or two, and generous grindings of black pepper. With the machine on, add olive oil through the feeding tube until the pesto smoothens, and is combined and thickened to the desired consistency. Thin with lemon juice, if needed.

Mutter Paneer (Indian style Peas and Cheese)

Ingredients:

Cottage cheese
Vegetable oil
Cumin seeds
Garam masala
Onions
Tomato can
Water
Frozen peas

Directions:

Fry cubes of paneer (or firm tofu) in vegetable oil until browned and then drain on paper towels. In a large pot, sauté a generous pinch of cumin seed and a palmful of garam masala or curry powder until fragrant, then add a chopped onion and cook until the onion is softened and infused with the spices. Add a can of chopped tomatoes, 2 to 3 cans full of water and bring to a simmer. Add the paneer back to the pot, simmer for a few minutes then add a bag of frozen peas. Cook until thickened and heated through, for at least 15 minutes. Serve over rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.

Peas and Parsley Salad

Ingredients:

Frozen peas
Water
Tomatoes
Onions
Parsley
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Vinegar
Salt n pepper

Directions:

Combine the frozen peas with a splash or two of water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until heated through. Stir in diced tomatoes, a thinly sliced onion, a generous handful of chopped parsley, and season with olive oil, lemon juice or white wine vinegar, salt and pepper to taste.

Mashed Potatoes and Peas

Ingredients:

Potatoes
Peas
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

Combine equal parts of mashed potatoes and peas. Season with olive oil, salt, and coarsely ground fresh black pepper.

Herbed Pea Soup

Ingredients:

Butter
Onions
Frozen peas
Broth
Leafy herbs
Dill
Chives
Cream

Directions:

Melt a knob of butter in a saucepan, then add a chopped onion and cook until softened. Add a bag of frozen peas and enough chicken broth to cover by about 1/2 an inch. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly reduced. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup. Add a generous handful of finely chopped leafy herbs, such as dill or chives, and finish with a splash of heavy cream.

Hope you enjoy these simple pea recipes!!