Peas are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in various dishes, from soups to salads and hearty mains. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, peas add a vibrant touch to meals while enhancing their flavor. Here are five delicious recipes to try, all using the metric measuring system.
1. Creamy Pea Soup
Ingredients:
- 500 g frozen peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 ml vegetable broth
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 15 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
- Add peas and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh mint leaves.
2. Pea and Parmesan Risotto
Ingredients:
- 250 g arborio rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 750 ml vegetable broth
- 250 ml white wine
- 150 g frozen peas
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 30 g butter
- 15 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until translucent.
- Add arborio rice and stir to coat with oil. Pour in the white wine and let it absorb.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring continuously until the rice is tender.
- Stir in the peas, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan.
3. Pea and Potato Salad
Ingredients:
- 500 g baby potatoes, halved
- 200 g frozen peas
- 100 g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 30 ml olive oil
- 15 ml lemon juice
- 10 g Dijon mustard
- 5 g chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, then drain and let cool.
- Blanch the peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine potatoes, peas, and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over and toss.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
4. Pea and Cheese Fritters
Ingredients:
- 200 g frozen peas
- 100 g grated cheddar cheese
- 100 g flour
- 2 eggs
- 50 ml milk
- 5 g baking powder
- 10 g chopped fresh mint
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Blanch the peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then drain and mash slightly.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, eggs, milk, and grated cheese until combined.
- Stir in the mashed peas, chopped mint, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Serve warm with a dipping sauce of choice.
5. Pea and Spinach Pasta
Ingredients:
- 300 g pasta (such as penne or fusilli)
- 200 g frozen peas
- 100 g fresh spinach
- 50 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 30 g butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 30 ml olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 100 ml of pasta water before draining.
- In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add the peas and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Stir in the butter and reserved pasta water, then add the cooked pasta and toss.
- Remove from heat and mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.
These recipes highlight the versatility of peas in a variety of delicious meals. Whether you’re in the mood for a warm soup, a fresh salad, or a comforting pasta dish, peas can be the perfect ingredient to elevate your cooking. Enjoy!
