Fresh without Peeled Green Peas

Fresh Peeled Green Peas: Overview

Fresh Peeled Green Peas are small, round, green seeds that come from the pods of the pea plant (Pisum sativum). They are commonly consumed in various cuisines, known for their sweet flavor and tender texture. Fresh peas are typically available in spring and early summer and are a popular ingredient in many dishes.

Health Benefits of Fresh Peeled Green Peas

1. Nutrient-Rich: Fresh peas are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several B vitamins, including folate.
2. High in Protein: They provide a good amount of plant-based protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans.
3. Rich in Fiber: The high fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.
4. Antioxidant Properties: Fresh peas contain antioxidants that can help protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation.
5. Supports Heart Health: The nutrients and fiber in green peas contribute to heart health and help regulate cholesterol levels.

Nutritional Value of Fresh Peeled Green Peas (per 100g approx.)

• Calories: 81 kcal
• Protein: 5.4 g
• Carbohydrates: 14.5 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5.7 g
• Fat: 0.4 g
• Vitamins: High in vitamins A, C, K, and folate
• Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium

How to Eat Fresh Peeled Green Peas

Fresh peas can be enjoyed raw in salads, cooked in various dishes, or used as a side dish. They can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or added to soups and casseroles for added flavor and nutrition.

5 Indian Recipes Using Fresh Peeled Green Peas

1. Green Peas Pulao

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup fresh peeled green peas
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1-2 green chilies (slit)
• 2-3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse Rice: Rinse basmati rice in water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain.
2. Sauté Spices: In a pot, heat oil and add cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add sliced onions, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until onions are translucent.
3. Add Peas: Stir in fresh green peas and cook for a few minutes.
4. Cook Rice: Add soaked rice and water. Add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Serve: Fluff the pulao with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

2. Green Peas Curry (Matar Curry)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peeled green peas
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Spices: Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them splutter. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
2. Add Ginger-Garlic: Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
3. Cook Tomatoes: Add pureed tomatoes, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
4. Add Peas: Add fresh green peas and water (as needed). Simmer until peas are cooked.
5. Finish: Stir in garam masala and garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with rice or roti.

3. Green Peas Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peeled green peas
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup cream (optional)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh mint for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a pot, heat olive oil, add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until soft.
2. Add Peas and Broth: Stir in fresh green peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Blend: Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. If desired, stir in cream for richness.
4. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Garnish with fresh mint and serve hot.

4. Matar Paneer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh peeled green peas
• 200g paneer (cubed)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (pureed)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fry Paneer: Heat oil in a pan, add cubed paneer, and fry until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Onions: In the same pan, add chopped onions and sauté until golden.
3. Add Spices and Tomatoes: Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and pureed tomatoes. Cook until oil separates.
4. Add Peas: Stir in fresh green peas, a little water, and salt. Cook until peas are tender.
5. Finish: Add fried paneer and garam masala. Garnish with coriander and serve with roti or naan.

5. Green Peas and Potato Tikki

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh peeled green peas (boiled)
• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Breadcrumbs (for coating)
• Oil (for shallow frying)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine boiled green peas, mashed potatoes, chopped onions, green chilies, cumin powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
2. Form Tikkis: Shape the mixture into small patties (tikkis). Coat each patty with breadcrumbs.
3. Fry Tikkis: Heat oil in a pan, and shallow fry the tikkis until golden brown on both sides.
4. Serve: Serve hot with chutney or yogurt.

5 Non-Indian Recipes Using Fresh Peeled Green Peas

1. Fresh Peas Salad

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peeled green peas
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare Salad: In a bowl, combine fresh peas, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Dress Salad: Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss and Serve: Toss gently and serve as a refreshing salad.

2. Pea and Mint Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh peeled green peas
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions: In a pot, heat olive oil, add chopped onions, and sauté until soft.
2. Add Peas and Broth: Stir in fresh peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Blend: Add fresh mint leaves and blend the mixture until smooth.
4. Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Serve hot with a drizzle of olive oil.

3. Green Peas Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 2 cups fresh peeled green peas
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions: In a large pan, heat olive oil, add chopped onions, and sauté until soft.
2. Add Rice: Stir in Arborio rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent.
3. Deglaze with Wine: If using, add white wine and cook until absorbed.
4. Cook Risotto: Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring frequently, until rice is creamy and cooked.
5. Finish: Stir in fresh peas and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm.

4. Pea and Bacon Pasta

Ingredients:

• 200g pasta (any type)
• 1 cup fresh peeled green peas
• 100g bacon (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
2. Cook Bacon: In a pan, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
4. Add Peas: Stir in fresh green peas and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, and cream. Stir in bacon, season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and serve.

5. Pea and Cheese Quesadillas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh peeled green peas
• 1 cup cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 4 flour tortillas
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Sauté Onions and Peas: In a pan, heat olive oil, add sliced onions, and cook until soft. Add fresh peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook for a few minutes.
2. Assemble Quesadillas: Place a tortilla in a skillet, add some cheese, the pea mixture, and more cheese. Top with another tortilla.
3. Cook Quesadilla: Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cheese melts.
4. Cut and Serve: Cut into wedges and serve hot with salsa or sour cream.

These recipes showcase the versatility of fresh peeled green peas in both Indian and non-Indian cuisines, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavor and numerous health benefits.