Boiling frozen peas might be the standard method of cooking them for many, but a culinary expert has warned that this technique can turn them "mushy" and "bland". When you boil peas, you're essentially leaching out their flavour as the sugars leach into the water, according to Erica Walker, co-founder of Favorite Family Recipes.
In contrast, she recommends sauteing the little green gems to unlock their natural sweetness, creating a tastier and more visually appealing side dish. She said: "There's actually a correct way to cook frozen peas, and it isn't boiling! You can have sweet, crisp, vibrant green peas in less than 10 minutes."
This common cooking error not only diminishes the taste but also results in the loss of key nutrients, boiling away vitamins C and B. By gently frying your peas with a little bit of butter, you'll elevate their flavour and retain a delightful crunch, steering clear of overboiled, soggy peas.
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Plus, you'll find that sauteing frozen peas not only preserves their flavour, but it's also quicker since there's no waiting for a pot of water to boil, reports .
How to make frozen peas taste better Simply throw peas, butter, sugar, and garlic into a large frying pan. Adding sugar may seem unusual, but it will help underline the inherent succulence of the peas while nullifying any potential bitterness.
Erica said: "Add a little sugar to the peas. Just enough to enhance the natural sweetness of the peas. It's ok, it won't taste and it will bring out the natural sweetness."
She also shared the perfect moment to season your peas for maximum flavour. "Don't add salt until ready to serve," she said.
"Salting them too early can dehydrate them and they (obviously) won't be as sweet. Salt them after they have cooked and you can salt to taste."
Dish out these perfectly seasoned peas and you'll be treated to a side that's bursting with taste, a delightful change from the usual bitter, overdone greens that can sometimes seem like a tedious task to get through.
