You can buy fresh, dried, frozen or canned peas; the fresh ones are only available in spring, while the others fill supermarket shelves all year round. Fresh peas are contained in a pod, which must be removed before cooking. The recipes to prepare these delicious legumes are numerous, which is why they represent a very versatile ingredient.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Cook Fresh or Frozen Peas in the Microwave Oven
Step 1. Prepare the peas
This method is suitable for both fresh and frozen ones, but is not suitable for the preparation of snow peas (a variety of pea called "macrocarpon" of which the pod is also eaten). Select one of the following preparation methods based on the product you purchased:
- Fresh peas: Detach and pull the stem down to remove the string. Open the pod in two, then slide your thumb in the center, top to bottom, to take out the peas.
- Frozen peas: simply open the package to take them out; you don't need to do anything else.
Step 2. Pour 150 grams of peas into a microwave-safe bowl
You can also prepare a larger quantity, in which case remember to change the water dose proportionally as well. If the frozen peas are stuck together in a large block, separate them with your fingers or a spoon.
Step 3. Cover the peas with a tablespoon or two of water
If you want to cook fresh peas, you need to use 2 tablespoons of water (30 ml), while for frozen ones, one tablespoon (15 ml) will suffice. Since they release water during cooking, frozen peas require less initial liquid.
Step 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap
Use microwavable cling film, then seal the container carefully to prevent steam from escaping.
Step 5. Microwave on high power, then cook the peas until crisp and a nice deep green color
Normally, about 2-5 minutes will be enough. Since each oven differs slightly from the others, in some cases an even shorter time will suffice, so check the doneness of the peas already after the first minute. In general, the cooking times are as follows:
- Fresh peas: 5 minutes;
- Frozen peas: 2 minutes.
Step 6. Drain them from the water
When the peas are cooked, put on an oven mitt, then take the bowl out of the microwave carefully. Remove the foil (being careful not to burn yourself with the hot steam!) And throw away the excess water. The simplest method is to pour them into a colander.
Step 7. Serve the peas plain or use them for a particular recipe
You can add them to many dishes, such as stews, pastas or salads. Alternatively, you can enjoy them as they are by simply seasoning them with salt and oil (or butter if you prefer).
Method 2 of 5: Steaming Fresh or Frozen Peas
Step 1. Prepare the peas for steaming
You can use any type of peas for this method: fresh, frozen and even snow peas. First, rinse them with running water, then prepare them as follows:
- Fresh peas: Detach and pull the stem down to remove the string. Open the pod in two, then slide your thumb in the center, top to bottom, to take out the peas.
- Frozen peas: simply open the package to take them out; you don't need to do anything else.
- Jackdaws: Break or cut both ends of the pod with your fingers or knife. In this case, you don't have to remove the thread.
- Other varieties of peas, such as sweet peas: Remove the stalk and discard any that have spots or bruises.
Step 2. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan over high heat
You will need to fill it with about 2.5-5 centimeters of water.
Step 3. Add the steamer basket, then pour the peas
Make sure the bottom of the basket does not come into contact with the surface of the water. If necessary, remove some.
Step 4. Cover the pot with the lid, then let the peas cook for 1-3 minutes
They are ready when they become crunchy and a nice bright green color. The cooking times for the different pea varieties are as follows:
- Fresh peas: 1-2 minutes;
- Frozen peas: 2-3 minutes;
- Jackdaws: 2-3 minutes;
- Sweet peas: 2-3 minutes.
Step 5. Remove the peas from the basket and bring them to the table immediately
You can season them with salt, pepper and oil (or butter if you prefer). Alternatively, you can add them to another recipe, such as a stew or pasta sauce made with cream and ham.
Method 3 of 5: Boil Fresh or Frozen Peas
Step 1. Prepare the peas for cooking based on the variety
Even with this method you can use any type of peas: fresh, frozen and even snow peas and sweet peas. Rinse them first with running water, then prepare them as follows:
- Frozen Peas: Simply open the package to take them out, you don't need to do anything else. Note that for some, boiling frozen peas spoils their flavor and texture.
- Fresh peas: Detach and pull the stem down to remove the string. Open the pod in two, then slide your thumb in the center, top to bottom, to take out the peas.
- Jackdaws: Break or cut both ends of the pod with your fingers or knife. In this case, you don't have to remove the thread.
- Other varieties, such as sweet peas: remove the stalk and discard any that have spots or bruises.
Step 2. Boil water in a large pot
You will need to use 2 l of water for every 700-900 g of fresh peas or 300 g of frozen peas.
Do not salt the water, otherwise the peas will become hard. If you wish, you can add a pinch of sugar instead to enhance its natural sweetness
Step 3. Pour the peas into boiling water, then boil them for 1-3 minutes without covering the pot
After about a minute of cooking, you will need to taste one to determine if it is ready or how much is missing. To find out if they are cooked, check that they have a soft yet crunchy texture and a nice bright green color. The cooking times for the different varieties are as follows:
- Fresh peas: 2-3 minutes;
- Frozen peas: 3-4 minutes;
- Jackdaws: 1-2 minutes;
- Sweet peas: 1-2 minutes.
Step 4. If you want, you can drain the peas and sauté them in a pan over high heat for one minute
This is not a mandatory step, but recommended because it allows you to dry the peas from the water to ensure that the ingredients blend better.
Step 5. Serve the peas immediately or add them to another dish
If you haven't already, drain them from the water, then shake them in the colander to dry as much as possible. A simple and tasty way to eat them is to flavor them with salt, pepper and oil (or butter).
Method 4 of 5: Cook Canned Peas
Step 1. Open the box, then drain the storage water
As you heat them, they will release other liquids; adding their water would therefore risk making them mushy.
Step 2. Pour them into a medium saucepan, then season to taste
You can use oil or a knob of butter, a pinch of salt and a little pepper. If you like, you can also add a few drops of lemon juice.
Step 3. Heat them over medium-low heat
The canned peas are already cooked, so you just have to bring them to the temperature you want, but be careful not to leave them in the pot for too long. A minute or two should be enough.
Step 4. Serve the peas immediately or add them to another recipe
On their own they are a delicious side dish, but they are also perfect for adding to soup or gravy.
Method 5 of 5: Cook the Dried Peas
Step 1. Observe dried peas closely for any pebbles or soil residue to remove
Perform this step even if you bought them ready-made at the supermarket.
Step 2. Rinse them
Pour them into the colander, then wash them with cold running water. Move them gently with your hands until the water appears completely clear. Once done, turn off the tap and shake the colander to remove excess water.
Step 3. Soak them in water
The quickest way to rehydrate them is to dip them into a pot of water and bring them to a boil. Use two to three times more water than the volume of peas, then heat it over medium heat. Cook the peas uncovered for two minutes, then put the lid on the pot and remove it from the heat. Let the peas rest for 1½ to 2 hours. Do not add salt.
Split peas do not need to be soaked
Step 4. After rehydrating them, drain them from the water and rinse them again with cold water
This step is to eliminate all the hard-to-digest sugars that cause gas to build up in the abdomen. Do not use soaking water to cook them.
Step 5. Fill a large pot with clean water, then add the peas
The water should not be salted and should be used in the following proportions, based on the variety of peas you intend to cook. Here are some simple guidelines:
- 700 ml of water for every 225 g of split dried peas.
- 950 ml of water for every 225 g of whole dried peas.
Step 6. Use a high heat to bring the water to a brisk boil
During cooking, a slight foam may form on the surface of the water: these are the impurities released by the peas; if so, carefully remove it with a slotted spoon.
Step 7. Reduce the heat, cover the pot with the lid, then let the peas simmer for an hour
When the water reaches a boil, set the heat to a low level; occasionally, stir the peas to keep them from sticking together.
Step 8. Once cooked, you can use them however you like
Depending on the selected recipe, you can add them for example to a soup, gravy or season them to eat them alone as a side dish.
Advice
- If you prefer the peas to have a soft texture, you can extend the cooking time by another 2 to 3 minutes. This advice is valid whether you intend to boil them or steam them.
- If you don't intend to eat them right away, plunge them into ice water immediately after draining them to make sure they keep their bright green color. Reheat them when it's time to serve them.
- If you accidentally overcooked them, don't throw them away; you can blend them to turn them into a creamy soup!
- Serve or cook them with cured meats, such as bacon, bacon, ham and speck.
- Peas also go well with other meats, such as chicken, duck or lamb. In addition, they are excellent with fish, especially cod, salmon and scallops.
- Herbs best suited for cooking peas include: basil, chives, dill, mint, and tarragon.
- Peas go perfectly with vegetables: asparagus, carrots, corn, broad beans, new potatoes, onions and shallots.
- Peas are an excellent side dish; moreover, they can be added to many other recipes, such as risottos, sauces, salads, etc.
- Frozen peas are already cooked, all you have to do is let them defrost, rinse them and use them in your recipes or eat them as they are in salads.
- The canned peas are already cooked, all you have to do is drain them and use them as you like.
