FROM THE FROZEN VEGETABLES CATEGORY AFTER BOILING - PEAS

I propose a simple and effective recipe for freezing peas, a versatile and tasty ingredient that can add a fresh and vibrant touch to your dishes. This recipe will guide you step by step to ensure that your peas are perfectly preserved in the freezer, retaining their vitamins and flavors!

Recipe for freezing fresh peas

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Freezing time: 2 hours (depending on the type of packaging)
Number of servings: Varies depending on quantity

Ingredients:
- Fresh peas (approximately 1 kg)
- Water (for blanching)
- Salt (optional, for taste)

A bit of history:
Peas have been cultivated for thousands of years, with deep roots in the culinary history of the world. This small but nutrient-rich vegetable has been an essential food source for many cultures, appreciated not only for its sweet taste but also for its high protein and fiber content. Freezing peas allows you to enjoy this vegetable throughout the year, preserving its freshness and nutrients.

Step by step for freezing peas:

Step 1: Preparing the peas
Start by cleaning the peas. If you purchased peas in pods, carefully open each pod and remove the peas. Make sure to select only fresh, uniform peas without blemishes.

Step 2: Washing the peas
After obtaining the peas from the pods, place them in a large bowl of cold water. Wash them well to remove any impurities or dirt. You can use a strainer or colander to drain the water.

Step 3: Blanching the peas (optional)
If you choose to freeze your peas blanched, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the fresh peas to the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. This process helps preserve the green color and nutrients.

Step 4: Rapid cooling
After blanching, use a strainer to remove the peas from the water and immediately transfer them to a bowl of cold water or ice. This step will stop the cooking process and maintain the peas' crunchy texture.

Step 5: Draining and packaging
Once the peas are completely cooled, drain them well and dry them with a kitchen towel. Then, divide the peas into suitable portions for cooking and package each portion in plastic bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the bags to avoid freezer burn.

Step 6: Freezing
Place the bags or containers with peas in the freezer. Now you have fresh peas on hand whenever you want!

Practical tips:
- If you don't have time to blanch the peas, you can freeze them raw as well. Make sure they are well dried before packaging.
- Frozen peas can be used in soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish.
- A serving of peas (approximately 100g) contains about 81 calories, making it a healthy choice due to its protein, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K content.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I freeze peas without blanching?
Yes, you can freeze peas raw, but blanching helps maintain color and texture.

2. How long can frozen peas be stored?
Generally, frozen peas can be stored for 8-12 months in the freezer.

3. How can I use frozen peas?
Frozen peas can be added directly to dishes such as soups, stews, or salads without thawing first.

Possible variations:
If you want to add extra flavor, you can add a few mint leaves or balsamic vinegar to the water in which you blanch the peas. These additions will bring a fresh note, perfect for salads.

Serving suggestion:
To enjoy frozen peas, you can quickly sauté them with garlic and olive oil, adding a few drops of lemon for a refreshing taste. This dish pairs excellently with grilled meat or fish!

With this simple recipe for freezing peas, not only will you enrich your vegetable reserves, but you will also have a healthy and tasty ingredient on hand at any time. Enjoy the healthy benefits of peas and turn every meal into a delicious experience!