Quick and Delicious Ways to Cook Peas

Peas are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be prepared in numerous ways. Whether you're looking for a speedy dish or a flavorful meal, this guide will help you explore the best methods to cook peas, from traditional lentil soups to steamed green peas in a pressure cooker.

Soaking Peas for Faster Cooking

For a more efficient cooking process, soaking legumes overnight dramatically reduces the cooking time. Soaking peas helps soften their outer shells, making them easier to digest and cook.

Traditional Soaking Method

To soak your peas, place them in a large pot, cover generously with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for about two minutes, then turn off the heat and let rest for one hour. After an hour, strain and discard the soaking water. This method is effective but requires some waiting time.

Quick Soaking Method

For a quicker soaking method, place the peas in a pot with a ratio of one cup of peas to three cups of water. Bring the water to a boil and then simmer for about one hour. Alternatively, you can remove the pot from the heat and let the peas soak for two to four hours. Drain the water and they are ready to cook.

Preparing Lentil Soup

A steaming bowl of lentil soup can be prepared quickly with a combination of aromatics and spices. Here's how to make a simple yet satisfying lentil soup:

Ingredients

1 onion, sliced 1 carrot, diced 1 celery stalk, diced Bay leaves 2 cups dried lentils 3 cups vegetable stock Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Heat some oil in a large pot. Add sliced onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook until onions are translucent. Add bay leaves, dried lentils, and vegetable stock. Bring to a boil. Cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for about 45 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with crusty bread or rice.

Steaming Green Peas in a Pressure Cooker

For a quick and easy meal, try steaming green peas in a pressure cooker. This method preserves the nutrients and texture of the peas, making them a healthier and more convenient choice.

Ingredients

1.5 cups green peas (matar), fresh or frozen 1.5 cups water 1 tablespoon oil or ghee 1 green chili, slit Turmeric powder (haldi) Kashmiri chilli powder Coriander powder (dhania powder) Fennel powder (saunf powder) Cumin powder (jeera powder) Garam masala powder Dry mango powder (amchur powder) Chopped coriander leaves (dhania patta) Salt to taste

Instructions

Rinse the green peas and place them in a small pan or bowl. Add 1.5 cups of water to a 2-liter pressure cooker. Place the pan or bowl with the green peas inside the pot. Cover the pot and pressurize on medium to high flame for 5 to 6 whistles or about 6 to 7 minutes. Once the pressure settles down, open the lid and check if the peas are cooked properly. Drain the water and set the peas aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil or ghee in a pan. Add a slit green chili and sauté for a few seconds. Add the steamed green peas and mix well with the oil. Season with turmeric powder, Kashmiri chilli powder, coriander powder, fennel powder, cumin powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well and sauté for a minute. Season with salt and add dry mango powder for a sour taste. Add chopped coriander leaves, mix well, and switch off the flame. Serve hot with parathas, rotis, or phulkas.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to follow:

Use both fresh or frozen green peas for the best results. Add lemon juice instead of dry mango powder for a sour taste. Reduce or increase the spices as per your preference. Use ghee instead of oil if desired. Boil the green peas instead of steaming them if necessary. You can double or halve the recipe based on your needs.

Explore these quick and delicious methods to jazz up your meals with peas. Enjoy your cooking!