How to Cook Peas

Peas fresh from the shell are a treasure. Available only for a brief period in late spring, they should be cooked simply and savored for their sweet freshness. Sugar snap peas and Asian snow peas, with their edible pods, are available more often.

Things You'll Need

• Peas

Instructions

1. Buy shell peas in the pod. Shell the peas just before you cook them. For sugar snap or snow peas, trim the ends before cooking. There are several preparation methods to choose from:

2. Boil peas 2 to 3 minutes, or until just tender.

3. Steam peas 1 to 2 minutes.

4. Sauté peas in butter or olive oil 2 to 3 minutes.

5. Try fresh basil, tarragon or mint with peas.

6. Toss fresh peas, butter and herbs with pasta.

7. Drizzle a little dark sesame oil on cooked snow peas, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

8. Mix sugar snap peas, asparagus and artichokes for a spring sauté.

9. Add fresh peas to a basic risotto.

Tips & Warnings

• Use frozen peas in stews and other dishes where the delicacy of fresh peas would be lost.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish