Everyday Food: Pick peas for a fast, filling supper or side
Because frozen peas are picked at the peak of their season and immediately frozen to preserve their flavor, they’re often sweeter and more tender than fresh peas. They’re also usually less expensive (and you don’t need to shell them). Frozen peas are delicious in soups, pastas, potpies and side dishes. To thaw, place in a colander and run briefly under hot water.
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Easy ideas for peas
▪ Cover thawed peas with chicken or vegetable broth by 1/2 inch and simmer 5 minutes. Purée in a blender until smooth and thin as needed. Serve soup topped with a dollop of yogurt.
▪ For a side dish, saute thawed peas with butter.
▪ Toss thawed peas with hot cooked pasta, cream cheese and cubed ham.
▪ Saute cubed cooked potatoes until lightly golden, then add peas and a dash of curry powder, and heat through
Minted pea mash
Serves 4
You can serve this recipe as a side dish (try it with roasted chicken) or as a crostini topping.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 bags (10 ounces each) frozen peas, thawed
1/3 cup lightly packed fresh mint leaves, coarsely chopped
Coarse salt and ground pepper
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add peas and cook, stirring constantly until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
2. Transfer to a food processor and pulse until coarsely pureed. Stir in mint and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Nutritional analyis per serving: 138 calories, 3 grams fat (2 grams saturated fat), 20 grams carbohydrates, 8 grams protein, 7 grams fiber and 20 percent of calories from fat.
This story was originally published February 17, 2015 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Everyday Food: Pick peas for a fast, filling supper or side."