{"id":1456,"date":"2017-05-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-05-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toh.test.rda.net\/how-to-cook-peas-four-easy-ways\/"},"modified":"2024-08-02T04:14:45","modified_gmt":"2024-08-02T09:14:45","slug":"how-to-cook-peas-four-easy-ways","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-cook-peas-four-easy-ways\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Cook Peas 4 Ways (Fresh and Frozen)"},"content":{"rendered":"\"Hot,\r\n\r\nWhen I was growing up, buttered peas were the side of choice at weeknight dinners<\/a>. I remember that as a child I'd push these tiny green globes around my plate, hoping they'd slip under the instant mashed potatoes and just disappear. Years later, when I started cooking for myself, I finally realized why people eat peas: They're incredibly quick and easy to make. I've also grown to love their sweet, grassy flavor. (Got a fussy eater at home? Try our sneaky ways to eat more vegetables.<\/a>)\r\n\r\nWe think you should eat more peas. Our Test Kitchen shares four easy methods for cooking peas, plus fun ways to dress them up.\r\n\r\n \r\n

How to Cook Peas<\/h4>\r\nTest Kitchen Tip<\/em>: There's no need to defrost frozen peas before cooking. In these recipes, fresh or frozen peas may be used.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMethod 1: Microwave<\/strong>\r\n\r\nPeas, fresh or frozen, can be zapped in a snap.\r\n\r\nIn a microwave-safe dish, combine peas with a tablespoon of water.\r\n\r\nCover with a lid (or paper napkin) and cook on high for around 3-4 minutes.\r\n\r\nGive the peas a stir and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes longer. Taste one (careful, they're hot!). If it's tender and hot throughout, it's ready.\r\n\r\nDrain and serve. (I like to drain peas in a mesh strainer instead of my colander so they don't get caught in the holes.)\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMethod 2: Boil <\/strong>\r\n\r\nAnother quick 'n' easy way to prep peas.\r\n\r\nIn a saucepan, combine 16 oz. of peas with about \u00bd cup water.\r\n\r\nBring the liquid to a boil with the lid off. Reduce heat, cover, and let your peas simmer for 3-5 minutes, or until tender.\r\n\r\nDrain off any excess liquid and serve.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMethod 3: Steam <\/strong>\r\n\r\n\"Person\r\n\r\nPour about an inch of water into a saucepan. Place your lovely little legumes in a steamer basket and drop it into the pan.\r\n\r\nBring the water to a boil, then cover the pot. The steam that rises will gently cook the peas. We recommend steaming for 2-4 minutes, testing occasionally. When the peas are tender, they're ready.\r\n\r\nThis is our favorite way to cook fresh peas, which are typically around for a brief window in late spring and early summer, and deserve gentle treatment to preserve their flavor. (Looking for more easy recipes for spring vegetables? We've got you covered.<\/a>)\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\nMethod 4: Saute<\/strong>\r\n\r\nThis is our favorite method for frozen peas, as it's easy to toss in other ingredients, as in this recipe for Quinoa with Peas and Onion<\/a>.\r\n\r\n \r\n\r\n\"Person\r\n\r\nBegin by heating a tablespoon of butter or oil over medium-high heat. If you'd like to add flavor, toss in a chopped onion or minced garlic. (Here's what happened when our Test Kitchen tried six crazy tricks for chopping onions without crying.<\/a>) Let your aromatics cook a couple minutes, until they're wilted and soft.\r\n\r\nAdd about 2 cups of peas. Stir them around, still over medium-high heat, until they're heated through and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Add salt and pepper for sure, but consider sprinkling on your favorite spice or adding fresh herbs.\r\n\r\n \r\n

A Little More About Peas<\/h4>\r\n \r\n\r\nHow to Boost Flavor<\/strong>\r\n\r\nNow that you know several simple ways to cook peas, here are a few ways to amplify their tastiness:\r\n