When it comes to cooking frozen peas, many assume that the simplest method is to boil them in a pot of water. But there’s a right and wrong way to cook this popular frozen vegetable. Boiling not only leads to mushy peas but also diminishes their nutritional value. In order to achieve a crisp, fresh, and delicious plate of peas, alternative cooking methods are worth exploring. So, prepare to bid farewell to mushy peas and embark on a journey of vibrant and delicious frozen pea creations by unlocking a new perspective on this classic vegetable.
Why Boiling Isn’t Ideal
While people in Great Britain generally favor mushy peas, Americans prefer their peas to be bright green, sweet, and firm. Boiling peas can result in an undesired mushy texture and a loss of nutrients, defeating the purpose of enjoying vegetables for their health benefits.
Alternative Cooking Techniques
Fortunately, there are a few techniques that can yield better results when cooking frozen peas.
● Steaming: Steaming stands out as the healthiest method since it requires no additional oil or butter. Just place the frozen peas in a steamer basket, such as the Prep Solutions basket available at Walmart, and position it over a pot with some simmering water. Allow the peas to steam until they reach the desired tenderness. This method preserves their vibrant green color and retains their valuable nutrients.
● Sautéing: Sautéing frozen peas in a skillet or saucepan with a small amount of oil or butter can add flavor and enhance their texture. This approach allows for customization, enabling you to create a dish tailored to your preferences.
The Best Frozen Peas Recipe Ever
For those looking to elevate their frozen peas to new culinary heights, here’s a great recipe that introduces a delightful creamy twist: You’ll only need frozen peas, butter, sugar, salt, and crushed garlic. Rather than boiling or blanching, this recipe takes a different approach. Begin by pouring the frozen peas directly into a sauté pan along with a generous amount of butter, a sprinkle of sugar, and a few cloves of crushed garlic. Set the heat to medium and stir the peas continuously for about five to seven minutes, ensuring they become tender. Adjust the heat if needed to ensure that the butter melts properly and coats the peas. After approximately six minutes of cooking, the peas will be perfectly done. Add a pinch of salt to taste, allow them to cool slightly, and savor the vibrant, slightly sweet, and crunchy goodness of the peas.