Peas are legumes that contain raw seeds, but since both the skin and seeds are edible and have a great taste, you don't need to peel them. Peas are a versatile vegetable because you can eat them raw or cooked. Whatever technique you use to cook it, you only need a few simple steps to do it.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Kapri
Step 1. Choose peas
Peas can be purchased at most vegetable stores. Here's how to choose good peas to eat:
- Choose crunchy peas with a light skin tone.
- Avoid peas that are bulging or have a length of more than 7.6 cm, as they tend to feel hard.
- Also avoid peas that have dry edges, have yellow spots, or are shriveled.
- Peas stored in an airtight container and refrigerator can last for several days.
Step 2. Rinse the peas
Place the peas in a colander and rinse under cold running water.
Alternatively, soak a colander with peas in a bowl of cold water and stir
Step 3. Chop the peas
You will need to cut the stems of the peas because the stems are tough.
- At the end of the stem of the pea there is a small covering with a short trunk.
- Leave the other end (the slightly curved end) intact. You will need it to get rid of the midrib.
Step 4. Remove the stems of the peas
The sheath that is on the edge of the skin, makes the peas stiff and hard, and removing it will make the peas softer.
- Pick the curved end of the peas. Hold the peas and grasp the arch under the skin. Pluck until it is completely released. If you're having trouble removing the ends, use a small knife to help.
- Grasp the curved end, pulling it along the skin to remove the midrib.
Part 2 of 3: Cutting Peas
Step 1. Slice the peas to make them easier to hold and eat
You can slice the peas into thin slices of equal length to use in salads, spring rolls, tacos, or pasta.
For instructions on how to thinly slice vegetables, see our article on how to thinly slice vegetables
Step 2. Cut the peas in half (diagonally)
Cutting diagonally will expand the surface of the cooked peas.
- Hold the blade so you can easily adjust the angle of cut.
- Cut the peas in half using a knife, making sure to hold the knife at an angle so that it makes a diagonal cut.
- The more angled your cutting angle is, the more surface area the peas will cook.
- Continue cutting the remaining peas diagonally, making sure all the pieces are the same size.
Step 3. Use whole peas
Peas can also be served whole. There are several uses of whole peas, including:
- Use raw peas to scoop out hummus, or ranch dressing, or to add crunch to salads.
- Peas as a side dish. You can process peas by pouring sauce, sautéing, frying, or steaming.
Part 3 of 3: Seasoning and Cooking
Step 1. Season with olive oil
Olive oil is a good base for seasoning and cooking peas.
- To season the peas with olive oil, sprinkle the oil over the peas, then add salt and pepper to taste. Peas processed in this way can be eaten raw.
- To cook peas in olive oil, add about 1 tablespoon oil to a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the peas along with salt and pepper for taste and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the peas are brightly colored and crispy.
Step 2. Season with Italian spices
Italian herbs are spice mixes available at most grocery stores. This spice is perfect for mixing with peas.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Optional: add a clove of minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Add the peas, 1/2 tsp Italian spices, 1 tbsp water and cook for about two minutes until the peas are brightly colored.
- Option: add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3. Season with salt
Boil and sprinkle a little salt. These boiled peas are suitable as a snack or dipped vegetables.
- Place the peas in a medium-sized saucepan.
- Add water to the pot until the peas are submerged.
- Simmer until light and tender, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Drain the peas and season with salt.
Tips
- Peas are used in many Asian dishes combined with sesame, teriyaki, garlic, pork and duck.
- Peas are rich in vitamin C. One cup of peas provides more than half the amount of vitamin C that the body needs in a day.
