Frozen peas are easy to cook and eliminate the hassle of opening hundreds of fresh pods for a single dish. Served on their own as a side dish or added to a pasta sauce or soup, frozen peas are a simple and healthy complement to any meal.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using the Stove
Step 1. Boil about 1 liter of water
Bring it to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. It must reach a constant and lively boil.
Step 2. Open the package of frozen peas and carefully pour them into the boiling water
Stir slowly, then let them boil without putting the lid on.
If the peas have stuck together in large blocks, separate them with a wooden spoon to make sure they cook evenly
Step 3. Take them off the heat after 2-3 minutes
Remove a pea from the water using a fork or slotted spoon, blow to cool it and taste it to see if it is cooked. It should be soft and easy to chew.
Frozen peas usually cook in 2-4 minutes
Step 4. Drain them from the water
The most convenient solution is to transfer them to a colander or colander, but you can also pour the water out of the pot carefully.
Step 5. Add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to prevent sticking
It is not mandatory to season them immediately, but if you do not want to risk them sticking or breaking the butter it is the ideal choice. They will also acquire an even richer taste.
If you prefer a healthier and lighter alternative, you can use extra virgin olive oil
Method 2 of 3: Using the Microwave
Step 1. Pour the frozen peas into a plate and cook them in the microwave for 2 and a half minutes
If you want them to become even softer, you can wet them with 1-2 tablespoons of water before cooking them.
Each microwave oven is different, so taste the peas after a couple of minutes and continue cooking them if they aren't ready yet
Step 2. Pour the frozen peas into a Pyrex dish and microwave for 2 minutes
They will steam rather than boil, so they are likely to keep a firmer texture. If you want, you can add a little water or 2 tablespoons of butter before cooking them - they will have a richer taste.
Step 3. If the packaging allows, put it directly in the microwave and cook the peas for 2-3 minutes
Some wrappers are designed to cook peas in the simplest way possible. Remove the packaging from the freezer and put it in the microwave right away, then cook the peas for as long as necessary. Once cooked, you will need to let the wrapper cool for 4-5 minutes as it will be saturated with boiling steam. If you open it immediately, you risk getting badly burned.
If it's not clearly stated on the package that it can be put in the microwave, use one of the other methods
Method 3 of 3: Using Frozen Peas
Step 1. Cook them with butter, garlic and onion to make a simple side dish
It is a great combination for flavoring frozen peas. Simply heat 1-2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet, then add an onion and 2-3 chopped garlic cloves. After 2-3 minutes, add the frozen peas directly to the pan. Cook them on low heat for 10-15 minutes or until tender.
Add some extra virgin olive oil and some cheese to turn the dish into an excellent pasta sauce
Step 2. Cook the peas in 1/2 liter of chicken broth to make a soup
First, sauté them in a pot with 2 tablespoons of butter and chopped garlic and onion. After 4-5 minutes, add the chicken broth and cook the ingredients over medium heat for another 5 minutes or until the peas are tender. Once ready, remove the pot from the heat. Wait until they have cooled, then blend them for a few moments to make a delicious soup.
Add salt and pepper and some herbs, such as dill or chives
Step 3. Make a pea cream by blending them with mint, lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese
After they are cooked, you can use them to create a cream to spread on toast. Pour them into the blender and blend them until you get a soft puree. At that point add:
- A handful of fresh mint leaves;
- 35 g of grated Parmesan cheese;
- 1-2 minced garlic cloves;
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil;
- Lemon juice (to taste).
- Blend all the ingredients to get a smooth, spreadable cream. You can add more oil if needed.
Step 4. Pair them with tomatoes to make a tasty salad
First of all cook them and let them cool. Once ready, use them as a base for a refined and unusual salad. Add cherry tomatoes, parsley, salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar to create a refreshing recipe perfect for the summer months.
- If you intend to use them in a salad, you can reduce the cooking time so that they keep a firm texture.
- Peas also pair perfectly with fresh lettuce or spinach.
