21 Delicious Pea Recipes to Brighten Your Meals

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Peas are a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can add a pop of color and flavor to any dish. From comforting soups to vibrant salads, these 21 pea recipes will inspire you to incorporate this humble legume into your culinary repertoire.

1. Classic Pea and Ham Soup

A hearty soup perfect for chilly days.

Ingredients:

  • 500g dried split peas
  • 1 ham hock
  • 2 onions, diced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Rinse split peas and place in a large pot with ham hock, vegetables, stock, and bay leaves.
  2. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 1-2 hours until peas are tender.
  3. Remove ham hock, shred meat, and return to soup.
  4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

2. Minted Pea and Feta Salad

A refreshing salad that’s perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 200g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Blanch peas in boiling water for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water.
  2. Drain peas and mix with crumbled feta and chopped mint.
  3. Whisk olive oil and lemon juice, drizzle over salad, and season to taste.

3. Creamy Pea and Bacon Pasta

A comforting pasta dish with a touch of indulgence.

Ingredients:

  • 400g pasta of choice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 200g bacon, diced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, adding peas in the last 2 minutes.
  2. In a separate pan, fry bacon until crispy, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Drain pasta and peas, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
  4. Add cream, Parmesan, and pasta water to bacon, then toss with pasta and peas.

4. Pea and Mint Fritters

Crispy fritters that make a great appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Method:

  1. Roughly mash peas and mix with flour, eggs, mint, baking powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat oil in a pan and drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil.
  3. Fry for 2-3 minutes each side until golden brown.

5. Pea and Potato Curry

A flavorful vegetarian curry that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 3 large potatoes, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp curry powder
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • Salt to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger in oil until softened.
  2. Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute, then add potatoes, coconut milk, and stock.
  3. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
  4. Season with salt before serving.

6. Pea and Avocado Smash

A twist on avocado toast that’s perfect for breakfast or lunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of bread, toasted

Method:

  1. Blanch peas for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  2. Mash peas with avocado, lemon juice, and olive oil.
  3. Season with salt and pepper, then spread on toasted bread.

7. Pea and Parmesan Risotto

A creamy Italian classic with a vibrant twist.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 6 cups vegetable stock, heated
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil, then add rice and stir for 1 minute.
  2. Add wine and simmer until absorbed, then add stock gradually, stirring constantly.
  3. When rice is almost tender, add peas and cook for 3 more minutes.
  4. Stir in Parmesan and butter, season, and serve.

8. Pea and Mint Soup

A light and refreshing soup that can be served hot or cold.

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup cream
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until softened.
  2. Add peas and stock, bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Add mint and blend until smooth, then stir in cream.
  4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9. Pea and Prosciutto Crostini

An elegant appetizer that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 12 slices baguette, toasted
  • 6 slices prosciutto, halved
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for drizzling

Method:

  1. Blanch peas for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  2. Mash peas with ricotta and lemon zest, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spread mixture on crostini, top with prosciutto, and drizzle with olive oil.

10. Pea and Chicken Pot Pie

A comforting classic with a golden, flaky crust.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1 sheet puff pastry
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion and carrots, then add flour and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Gradually add stock and cream, stirring until thickened.
  3. Add chicken and peas, season, then pour into a pie dish.
  4. Cover with puff pastry, brush with egg wash, and bake at 200°C for 25-30 minutes until golden.

11. Pea and Spinach Pesto

A nutritious twist on classic pesto that’s perfect for pasta or as a spread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Blanch peas for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  2. Blend peas, spinach, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor.
  3. Gradually add olive oil and lemon juice while blending until smooth.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

12. Sweet Pea and Ricotta Tart

A delightful spring tart that’s perfect for brunch or light lunch.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet shortcrust pastry
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Line a tart tin with pastry and blind bake for 15 minutes at 180°C.
  2. Mix ricotta, eggs, Parmesan, lemon zest, and mint.
  3. Stir in blanched peas, pour into pastry case, and bake for 25-30 minutes until set.

13. Pea and Coconut Curry Soup

A creamy, spicy soup with an exotic twist.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp red curry paste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger, then add curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add peas, coconut milk, and stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Blend until smooth, stir in lime juice, and season before serving.

14. Pea and Halloumi Frittata

A protein-packed meal that’s great for any time of day.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 200g halloumi cheese, cubed
  • 8 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Whisk eggs with milk, mint, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sauté peas and halloumi in an oven-safe pan for 2 minutes.
  3. Pour egg mixture over, cook on low heat for 5 minutes, then finish under the grill until set.

15. Pea and Watercress Gazpacho

A refreshing cold soup perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups watercress
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 green apple, peeled and chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Blend all ingredients except olive oil until smooth.
  • Gradually add olive oil while blending.
  1. Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

16. Pea and Mushroom Risoni

A quick and easy pasta dish that’s full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups risoni (orzo) pasta
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 250g mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until softened.
  2. Add risoni and wine, simmer until absorbed, then add stock gradually.
  3. When pasta is almost tender, add peas and cook for 2 more minutes.
  4. Stir in Parmesan, season, and serve.

17. Pea and Zucchini Fritters with Mint Yogurt

Crispy vegetable fritters served with a cool, tangy dip.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 zucchini, grated
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

Method:

  1. Mix peas, zucchini, flour, eggs, half the mint, salt, and pepper.
  2. Fry spoonfuls of mixture until golden brown on both sides.
  3. Mix remaining mint with yogurt for dipping sauce.

18. Pea and Asparagus Quiche

A springtime quiche bursting with green vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet shortcrust pastry
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 bunch asparagus, chopped
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Gruyere cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Line a quiche dish with pastry and blind bake for 15 minutes at 180°C.
  2. Blanch peas and asparagus, then arrange in pastry case.
  3. Whisk eggs, cream, cheese, salt, and pepper, pour over vegetables.
  4. Bake for 30-35 minutes until set and golden.

19. Pea and Edamame Hummus

A vibrant green dip that’s perfect with crudités or pita bread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • 1/4 cup tahini
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

  1. Blanch peas and edamame for 2 minutes, then plunge into ice water and drain.
  2. Blend all ingredients except olive oil until roughly chopped.
  3. Gradually add olive oil while blending until smooth.

20. Pea and Mint Ice Cream

An unusual but delightful dessert with a fresh, sweet flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 4 egg yolks

Method:

  1. Simmer peas, cream, milk, sugar, and mint until peas are tender.
  2. Blend mixture, then strain. Whisk a little of the hot mixture into egg yolks, then add back to the pan.
  3. Cook gently until thickened, then chill thoroughly.
  4. Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

21. Pea and Ham Arancini

Crispy Italian rice balls with a surprise center.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked risotto rice
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen peas
  • 100g ham, diced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • Oil for deep frying

Method:

  1. Mix cooled risotto with half the peas and Parmesan.
  2. Form into balls, making a hollow in each and filling with ham and remaining peas.
  3. Dip each ball in egg, then breadcrumbs, and deep fry until golden brown.
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