A pea side dish, fresh or frozen, is truly tasty, very easy to prepare, and with a short cooking time. Boiled peas are super versatile: they pair well with carrots, potatoes, or other seasonal vegetables and become balanced and healthy when seasoned with grains. Peas boiled in a pan are perfect for the spring season, light and flavorful. In my house, they have always been grandma Benedetta’s light side dish.
PEA SEASON: from April to June.
RECIPES with peas
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 2People
- Cooking methods: Stove
- Cuisine: Healthy
- Seasonality: Spring
- Energy 101.25 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 18.06 (g) of which sugars 7.09 (g)
- Proteins 6.78 (g)
- Fat 0.50 (g) of which saturated 0.09 (g)of which unsaturated 0.28 (g)
- Fibers 7.13 (g)
- Sodium 16.25 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 117 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Pea Side Dish
How many peas per person?
For a light side, consider 100-150 grams (about 3.5-5.3 oz) of shelled peas per person.
If the peas are still in their pods, buy double the needed weight because the pods will be discarded. For a nowaste recipe, try the pea pod soup.
- 8.8 oz peas (shelled – if still in pods, consider about 1 pound to obtain 8.8 oz shelled)
- 2 cups water
Can frozen peas be used instead of fresh ones?
Frozen peas are an excellent alternative, practical and already shelled. The flavor is slightly different from fresh ones but still sweet and delicate.
Tools
- Pan with high sides
- Colander
Pea Side Dish
Shell the peas: open the pod with your fingers along the central line and let the peas come out one by one.
Bring the water to a boil.
Pour the peas into the boiling water. Salt only at the end of cooking.
Cook until ready: it takes 10 to 20 minutes depending on freshness and size. Taste a pea to check for desired doneness.
Drain the boiled peas.
Season the pea side dish to taste.
Or use them as a base to prepare a more elaborate and flavorful dish. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the peas without thawing.
Cook for 5-7 minutes or until tender yet slightly crisp.
Drain and season to taste.
Season the peas with extra virgin olive oil and your favorite herbs.
Serve warm or hot. In salads or cold pasta, add them cold.
When to salt the peas?
Salt only when serving or at the end of cooking to keep them tender (salt tends to harden the skin).
What herbs go well with peas?
Basil, fennel, marjoram, mint, oregano, thyme, parsley… all pair beautifully. Even a lemon zest or orange peel powder at the end of cooking makes them very fresh.
STORE the pea side dish
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat in a pan before serving.
Better not to freeze cooked; excellent instead to do it raw and shelled.
FAQ
Can I prepare them in advance?
Of course. They can be cooked even the day before and stored in the fridge. When serving, briefly heat them in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a tablespoon of water.
What to pair with peas as a side dish?
Their sweet and delicate taste pairs well with many dishes.
🍀 Butter or oil glazed carrots
🍀 Caramelized onions
🍀 Whole grain couscous
🍀 Spelt or barley with fresh herbs
🍀 Crumbled feta
🍀 Sautéed mushrooms
🍀 Grilled eggplants
🍀 Fresh mint and lemon zest
🍀 Crispy potatoes
🍀 Fresh ricotta in spoonfuls
🍀 Basmati or whole grain rice
🍀 Poached, hard-boiled, or omelet eggs
🍀 Sautéed or grilled zucchiniWhat can be served with peas?
They can be accompanied with
🍀 Grains such as rice, barley, couscous or spelt, to create complete and balanced dishes.
🍀 Vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms: simple cooking, perhaps in a pan or oven.
🍀 Plant-based proteins such as eggs, tofu, tempeh, or fresh cheeses (ricotta, feta), which pair wonderfully with the sweet taste of peas.
🍀 Herbs such as basil, mint, parsley, oregano, thyme, or marjoram, for a fresh and natural aroma.
🍀 Seeds and nuts: walnuts, almonds, pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
For a richer recipe, they can be used in risottos, soups, vegetable patties or even in savory pies.
🍀 Cold cuts such as ham or bacon.Why should legumes be paired with carbohydrates?
Legumes should be paired with carbohydrates because together they form a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids the body needs. This results in a nutritionally balanced and healthier meal.
