Delicious English Peas Recipe for a Perfect Spring Meal!
Hello and welcome to my kitchen! I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite English peas recipes that is sure to impress your taste buds. Nothing beats the flavor of fresh, steamed English peas seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of extra virgin olive oil.
For those of you who may not know, English peas are also commonly known as garden or sweet peas. They have a wonderful delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or an elegant addition to your dinner menu, this English peas recipe is sure to satisfy.
Now, you might be wondering why I’m so passionate about this particular recipe. The answer is simple – it’s a classic recipe that has been beloved for generations. It’s a tried-and-true side that can accompany any main course and adds nourishing flavors to your plate.
This recipe is perfect for enjoying the freshness of the season: whether you’re picking fresh peas from your garden or getting some from Trader Joe’s, English peas are a versatile ingredient that will make it easy to upgrade your meals.
So let’s get started – grab your aprons and head into the kitchen because we’re about to make the best peas dish ever!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hello food lovers! Are you looking for a side dish that’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients? Look no further than this British classic: English Peas. Trust me, once you try them, they will quickly become a staple in your diet.
What I love the most about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as it is or use it in other recipes- the possibilities are endless. The peas have a subtle yet distinct flavor that you simply can’t get from their frozen counterparts. Its lightly sweet taste balances perfectly with the salt and fresh herbs, and it’s a low-calorie food that doesn’t skimp on taste.
But if you’re still on the fence, let me provide some compelling reasons why you’ll love this recipe. First of all, it’s straightforward to prepare with only a handful of ingredients. You won’t need any special equipment either – just a stove-top and a pot. So whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe is doable and customizable to your liking.
Another benefit of this recipe is its nutritional content. Like any good vegetable, English peas offer plenty of health benefits thanks to its high fiber content packed with vitamins C, K, and B-complex. You can boost the nutrition even more by pairing the peas with Boston lettuce or snap peas for added crunch and fiber.
Lastly, this recipe offers an opportunity to impress your guests with traditional British side dishes – without taking up too much of your valuable time in the kitchen or busting your budget. With only six simple ingredients, you can whip up a bold, flavorful dish that would earn rave reviews at any dinner party.
So what are you waiting for? Try this English Peas recipe today from fresh or frozen peas for a sweet and savory side dish that packs major flavor and is bound to impress your family or guests alike!
Ingredient List
Let’s have a rundown of the ingredients necessary to create this flavor-packed English peas recipe. This side dish highlights the natural sweetness of green peas and accents their delicate taste with a few simple yet essential ingredients.
Here are the things that you will need:
- English Peas – The star of this recipe. You may use fresh or frozen peas.
- Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper – To season the dish to perfection.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – For cooking and adding depth of flavor.
- Fresh Mint – Gives off that herbaceous and refreshing aroma, which perfectly complements the sweetness of the peas.
- Boston Lettuce – Excellent for presentation, texture, and freshness.
Don’t fret because these ingredients are readily available in your local grocery store. If you can’t find fresh ones, some stores sell flash-frozen ones that are as good as freshly-shelled peas.
Now, grab these ingredients and let’s move on to the next section to start making this flavorful English peas recipe!
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s move on to the exciting part – cooking the English peas recipe!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for the recipe:
– 2 cups of shelled fresh English peas
– 1/4 teaspoon Salt
– 1/4 teaspoon Fresh ground pepper
– 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
Directions
- First, bring a pot of salted water to boil over medium-high heat. Add enough water to cover the peas.
- Once the water reaches a boil, add the “fresh English peas” and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender (take care not to overcook).
- Remove from heat and drain “the peas” using a colander.
- Return the pot to the stove over high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Once hot, add “the cooked English peas” back to the pot with fresh mint leaves, salt and fresh ground pepper. Toss thoroughly to combine everything.
- Remove from heat after tossing for about 20 seconds as this will allow the flavors to blend together beautifully.
- Finally, serve your dish with some Boston lettuce leaves as a side salad.
Voila! You’ve got yourself a delicious English Peas recipe, perfect as a side dish for any meal or as an appetizer. Trust me, this recipe will be “a hit” at your next gathering or party, and people will be asking you for more!
Substitutions and Variations
There are several ways to customize this English peas recipe and make it your own.
Firstly, you can substitute frozen peas for fresh peas if they are not in season. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time – frozen peas will cook quicker than fresh peas.
If you’re looking for a twist on the classic recipe, try adding chopped bacon to the dish. It adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that contrasts nicely with the sweet peas. Cook the bacon in a pan until crispy and crumble it into the dish before serving.
Another variation is to mix different types of peas together. Try using snap peas, garden peas, or even sweet peas (English peas) for a burst of different flavors and textures.
For a creamier texture, consider making creamed peas by adding heavy cream or milk to the dish before serving. It’s a comforting side dish that pairs well with any protein.
As always, don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices. Mint is traditional in this recipe but you could also try using thyme, parsley or even curry powder for added excitement.
With all these variations, there is no limit to how many times you can cook up these delicious English peas!
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing the English Peas recipe is just as important as cooking them to perfection. You want to create a balance in your meal that will delight your senses from taste to texture. The peas have a sweet, fresh flavor with a tender, slightly crunchy texture, which makes it the perfect side dish for almost any entrée.
One of my favorite ways to serve English Peas is within Boston Lettuce cups. Simply wash and separate the lettuce leaves, place some cooked peas inside each cup, drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with fresh ground pepper and salt, then top off with chopped fresh Mint. The combination is divine – the soft crunchy lettuce rounding off the tender peas nicely with the mint adding a subtle freshness and pop of color.
If you’re looking for a protein-rich meal, pair the English Peas recipe with grilled chicken, steak or Lamb chops. The natural sweetness of the peas pairs well with the savory flavors of meat, creating a well-rounded meal that will leave you satisfied and craving more.
For wine pairing, I recommend a light-bodied white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc; they complement sweet spring Peas so well. If you want to try something new and add some fizz to your dinner party menu, you can never go wrong with Prosecco or Champagne. Bon Appétit!
Lastly, do not hesitate to add some bacon into this recipe. That would provide an earthy counterpoint that can elevate both the flavor and nutritional value of this superb side dish.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Oh, the beauty of having leftovers to enjoy and savor later on! With this English peas recipe, you can easily store any leftover peas to enjoy throughout the week.
To make-ahead, prepare the recipe according to the directions, then transfer the cooked peas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat either in a microwave-safe dish or on the stove with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper on medium-high heat.
For an even more elevated version of this side dish, try adding crispy bacon bits or some chopped fresh mint after reheating for an extra pop of flavor.
If you’re planning to freeze your peas for later use, be sure to let them cool down completely before transferring into freezer-safe bags or containers. When stored in the freezer, the cooked peas will last for up to 2-3 months.
When reheating frozen peas, simply cook them in a pan over medium-high heat with enough water to cover them partially until they are heated through. Be sure to add salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
So go ahead and cook up a big batch of these fresh English peas – whether you’re making them as a classic side dish or adding them as a tasty ingredient in your recipes. They are definitely worth keeping on hand for whenever you need that fresh pop of flavor!
Tips for Perfect Results
If you want to cook the perfect English pea recipe, there are some tips that can make all the difference. To make the dish extra delicious, try some of these tips that I recommend!
Firstly, make sure the peas are cooked perfectly. If they are overcooked, they become too soft and lose their sweet flavor. At the same time, if they are undercooked, they end up tasting starchy and not so palatable.
Secondly, try using fresh English peas instead of frozen ones. Fresh spring peas or snap peas will make a huge difference in terms of taste and texture.
Thirdly, season your peas with fresh ground pepper and salt. Peas are naturally sweet, so adding a little bit of salt can make them stand out even more. For added depth of flavor, chopped fresh mint can be a great addition.
Fourthly, use a medium-high heat setting when cooking your peas. You want your water to boil enough to cook them through but not wash away their freshness! Speaking of which…
Fifthly and most importantly – pay attention to how much water you use! Peas inside too much water means that their delicate flavor gets diluted; using too little water means you run the risk of burning them or conversely boiling all the water away before the peas cook properly.
Another tip is to opt for extra virgin olive oil instead of butter as it brings out a richer flavor in the peas while being healthier. Trader Joe’s has affordable yet delicious varieties.
Also consider adding some bacon to bring a smoky umami note to your English pea side dish or serving them with Boston lettuce as an accompaniment for extra crunchiness.
Lastly but fussily important: Make sure you let your cooked peas cool down before seasoning them – giving time for flavors to set in – lest cooking over high heat may lead to undesired results!
With these tips in mind, you can expect beautiful results from cooking English peas every time. Bon Appetit!
FAQ
Now that you know how to prepare this fantastic English peas recipe, you may still have some doubts or questions about the process. That’s why I’ve put together this FAQ section to address any concerns you may have. Whether you’re new to cooking with fresh peas or are an experienced chef looking to refine your technique, these answers will provide useful insights and tips for perfecting this side dish. So, take a look at the common questions people ask about this recipe and find the answers you need to create a delicious and wholesome meal.
What makes English peas different?
When it comes to English peas, you’re dealing with a type of garden pea that’s fairly familiar around Britain. These peas are renowned for how sweet they are and are immediately evident by their eye-catching green hue. Before they can be cooked, the task of shucking them is a must. One thing to keep in mind is that, in terms of quantity, approximately one pound of pea pods gives you anywhere between 1 to 1.5 cups of shelled peas.
What is the difference between sweet peas and English peas?
Peas that are commonly known as garden peas or English peas have a distinct firm and round pod. However, to consume these peas, you need to shell them first and discard the pods. The peas inside the pod are generally sweet and can be eaten in both raw and cooked forms. You can easily find canned or frozen garden peas in supermarkets.
Are English peas the same as green peas?
The peas that come frozen, also referred to as shelling peas or garden peas, are the same ones found inside the pods. Only the peas are consumed, while the pods are not. It takes around one pound of pods to acquire approximately one cup of peas.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this English Peas recipe is a must-have for any chef specializing in British cuisine. The combination of fresh ingredients such as mint and Boston lettuce, coupled with steaming technique makes for a truly delectable side dish. Whether you are cooking for a specialty event or just want to try something new, this recipe is perfect for you.
Remember to use fresh English peas for the best results. Don’t forget to follow the steps of the recipe guidelines carefully, and add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. For extra flavor, adding bacon would work magic in this recipe!
I hope that you will give this recipe a try and am looking forward to hearing feedback. After making it once, I am sure that it will become a new go-to choice for your meal planning. Bon Appétit!
English Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups shelled fresh peas (3 pounds unshelled)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped of fresh mint
- 4 cups thinly sliced boston lettuce (about 1 small head)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- fresh ground pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add peas and stir to coat with oil.
- Cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until beginning to brown, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in mint and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add lettuce, cover and cook, stirring once or twice, until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found
Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.