Peas (peas) are usually sold fresh, frozen, or canned. Fresh peas can be purchased during the harvest season, while frozen peas are available year-round. Fresh peas are sold whole and must be peeled before cooking. You can process peas in a variety of ways or serve them as a delicious and versatile vegetable at the dinner table.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Microwave Cooking Peas
Step 1. Prepare the peas
This method is suitable for frozen or fresh peas, but is not suitable for snow peas and snap peas. To prepare peas, you can follow one of the following techniques:
- Fresh peas: break off the stalks, then pull down to release the fibers. Open the pods, then move your thumb in the center downwards to knock the peas out.
- Frozen peas: simply open the packaging bag and remove the peas. No need to do anything else.
Step 2. Put 150g of peas in a microwave-safe bowl
You can add more, but you have to adjust the amount of water. If the frozen peas stick together, you'll need to separate them with your fingers or a spoon.
Step 3. Flush the peas with 1-2 tablespoons of water
You will need 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of water for fresh peas and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of water for frozen peas. Frozen peas require less water as it will release water during the cooking process.
Step 4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap
Make sure you cover the bowl tightly so the steam doesn't escape.
Step 5. Cook the peas on high until they are crispy and bright green
This process will take between 2-5 minutes. Keep in mind that microwaves may have slightly different settings and some models can cook faster than others. It's best if you check the doneness of the peas after 1 minute. In general, the cooking times for fresh and frozen peas are as follows:
- Fresh peas: 5 minutes
- Frozen peas: 2 minutes
Step 6. Drain the water
Once the peas are cooked, carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Use cooking gloves or tongs. Open the plastic wrap (be careful of the hot steam coming out!) and drain off the excess water. Or, you can pour the peas into a colander.
Step 7. Serve the peas or use them as an ingredient in cooking
You can add peas to baked goods, pasta, or lettuce. You can also serve it with a pinch of salt and a lump of butter.
Method 2 of 5: Steaming Peas
Step 1. Prepare the peas for steaming if necessary
This method can be used for any type of pea, such as frozen peas, fresh, flat peas, and round peas. Wash the peas first, then do the following preparations:
- Fresh peas: break the stalks off, then pull them down to release the fibers. Open the pod and use your thumb to knock out the seeds.
- Frozen peas: open the packaging bag and remove the peas. No need to do anything else.
- Flat peas: cut off both ends with your fingers or a knife. No need to remove the fibers.
- Round peas: break the stems. Discard any bruised or damaged peas.
Step 2. Boil water in a saucepan over high heat
You need water with a height of about 2.5 to 5 cm.
Step 3. Install the steamer basket and add the peas
Make sure the bottom of the basket does not hit the water surface. If that happens, reduce the water in the pan.
Step 4. Put the lid on the pot, then steam the peas for 1-3 minutes
The peas are ripe once they are crunchy in texture and bright green in color. Here's the cooking time needed for each type of peas:
- Fresh peas: 1-2 minutes
- Frozen peas: 2-3 minutes
- Flat peas: 2-3 minutes
- Round peas: 2-3 minutes
Step 5. Remove the peas from the steamer basket and serve immediately
You can add a little salt, pepper and butter. Or, add it to other recipes, such as baked goods, macaroni and cheese, pasta, etc.
Method 3 of 5: Boiling Peas
Step 1. Prepare the peas for the boiling process
This method can be used for all types of peas, such as frozen peas, fresh, flat peas, and round peas. First, wash the peas, then carry out the following preparatory process:
- Frozen peas: You just need to open the packaging bag and take the peas out. Just that. Note that some people say that boiling frozen peas will spoil the taste and texture.
- Fresh peas: break the stems and pull them down to release the fibers. Open the pod and use your thumb to knock out the seeds.
- Flat peas: snap off both ends with your fingers or use a knife. You don't need to remove the fibers.
- Round peas: break the stems. Discard any bruised or damaged peas.
Step 2. Take a large pot and fill it with water, then bring it to a boil
You need 2 liters of water for every 700-900 grams of fresh peas or 300 grams of frozen peas.
No need to add salt as it will make the peas tough. However, you can add a pinch of sugar. The sugar will bring out the natural sweetness of the peas
Step 3. Add peas and boil for 1-3 minutes, without covering the pot
After about 1 minute, check for doneness and adjust the cooking process accordingly. Ripe peas will be bright green in color and crunchy/soft in texture. The following is the cooking time required for different types of peas:
- Fresh peas: 2-3 minutes
- Frozen peas: 3-4 minutes
- Flat peas: 1-2 minutes
- Round peas: 1-2 minutes
Step 4. Drain the peas and place in the frying pan over high heat for 1 minute
This step isn't a must, but it will help the peas dry out and make it easier for the butter and other sauces to stick. Although not mandatory, this step is highly recommended.
Step 5. Serve the peas immediately or use them as an ingredient for other dishes
If you haven't already, drain the peas and toss them in a colander to remove excess water. If you want to serve it easily, just add salt, pepper, and butter.
Method 4 of 5: Cooking Canned Peas
Step 1. Open the can and drain the peas
When cooked, the peas will release water. If not drained, the peas will become too mushy after they are done cooking.
Step 2. Pour the peas into a medium-sized frying pan and add seasonings to taste
You can add butter, a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice directly into the frying pan.
Step 3. Heat the peas over medium-low heat until they reach your preferred temperature
Canned peas are cooked. So you just need to warm it up. It's up to you how long you want to warm it up, but be careful not to overcook it! The peas are usually ready in 1-2 minutes.
Step 4. Serve the peas warm or add them to other recipes
Canned peas are great as a side dish, but they're also delicious when added to sauces and soups!
Method 5 of 5: Cooking Dried Peas
Step 1. Check the dry peas and remove any stones or debris you find
There's nothing wrong with doing this step, even if you buy packaged peas.
Step 2. Wash the peas
Put the peas in a colander and wash under cold running water. Stir the peas by hand while continuing to wash them until the rinse water is clear. Turn off the faucet and shake the filter to remove excess water.
Step 3. Soak the peas in about 2 or 3 times as much water
The quickest way to soak them is to put the peas in a pot of water and boil them over medium heat. Cook the peas for 2 minutes, without covering the pan. Then, remove the pan from the stove. Leave it for 1½ to 2 hours. Don't add salt.
Split peas do not need to be soaked
Step 4. Drain the peas after the soaking process is complete
Rinse the peas in cold water. This step will get rid of the sugar that can't be digested and causes gas. Discard the soaking water, do not use it for cooking.
Step 5. Take a large pot and fill it with clean water
Add peas. No need to add salt. The amount of water needed depends on the type of peas you use. Here are some basic guidelines:
- You need 700 ml of water for every 225 g of split peas.
- You need 950 ml of water for every 225 g of whole peas.
Step 6. Bring the peas to a boil over high heat
Once cooked, you may notice foam forming on the surface of the water. Use a slotted spatula to remove the foam.
Step 7. Once it boils, reduce the heat, put the lid on the pot and cook the peas for 1 hour
Once the water starts to boil, reduce the heat and cook the peas for 1 hour. Every now and then you need to stir the peas so they don't stick to each other.
Step 8. After the cooking process is complete, use the peas as needed
You can add it to soups, other dishes, or sauces.
Tips
- If you like the peas softer, increase the cooking time by about 2-3 minutes. This applies to the cooking process by boiling or steaming.
- If you're not serving the peas right away, soak them in ice water after you've drained them to keep them bright green. Warm the peas if necessary.
- If you overcook the peas, don't throw them away. You can puree it and use it for soups!
- Serve the peas with processed meats, such as bacon or bacon.
- Serve the peas with other meats, such as chicken, duck, or lamb. You can also enjoy peas with seafood, such as cod, salmon, and scallops.
- Herbs that are suitable to add to peas include: basil, chives, dill, min, and tarragon.
- Peas are also delicious mixed with vegetables, such as asparagus, carrots, corn, fava beans, small potatoes, onions, and scallions.
- Peas are also very suitable as a side dish. You can add it to fried rice, pasta, lettuce, and so on.
- Frozen peas are ripe. You just need to thaw it out, then rinse it and use it for other dishes or lettuce recipes!
- Canned peas are cooked. You just need to drain it, then add it to other dishes!
