Hello and welcome to this new thing we’re trying out where we help you figure out what you’re gonna put in your mouth this week. Some of these are recipes we’ve tried, some of these are recipes we’re looking forward to trying, all of them are fucking delicious. Tell us what you want to put in your piehole or suggest your own recipes, and next week we’ll check in and talk about which things we made, which things we loved, and which things have changed us irreversibly as people. Last week, we ate soba noodles.
Children who have to be forced to eat vegetables in movies and TV always seem to be hating on peas. A pile of peas always seems to be what’s standing in their way of dessert or playing baseball at the Sandlot or watching Leave it to Beaver or whatever it is kids on TV do after dinner. Which makes no sense, because peas are delicious. I guess somewhere out there, mushy, soggy canned peas exist, but why focus on that when we could be eating perfect, fresh peas that taste like spring? Peas are in season around now, and you might be seeing them at farmer’s markets or in a CSA box. But the good news is that even at other times, peas are still really good when you buy them frozen, and they’re so versatile that you’ll want them around all year. Here are 25 ways to get started, easy peasy.
1. Peas with Shallots, Mushrooms and Tarragon
2. Spring Vegetable Risotto
3. Socca Flatbread with Minted Pea Pesto
Rachel: I’ve been super into socca and chickpea crepes lately because they’re so easy, and you can put pretty much anything on/with them to make a meal. Chickpea flatbreads and peas are a match made in heaven, and also conveniently gluten-free!
4. Ricotta and Spring Pea Ravioli in a Sage Butter Sauce
5. Manipuri Mangal Ooti – Manipuri Side Dish
6. Spring Vegetable Soup
7. (One Pot) Spring Veggie Pasta Dish
8. Pasta with Peas and Prosciutto
9. Pickled Sugar Snap Peas
10. Peas and Mint Rye Sandwich
11. Vegan Split Pea Soup with Barley and Carrots
12. Last Supper Buttered Tarragon Peas
13. Herb-Flecked Spring Couscous
14. Mushroom and Peas Stir Fry
15. Ground Beef and Peas
Rachel: My dad made a number of variations on this dish, which we usually called “Rice Surprise,” when I was growing up. The “surprise” can really refer to any number of meat and/or vegetable combinations, but ground beef and peas seems like a super simple yet comforting and filling one.
16. Summer Pea and Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Salad
17. Baingan Bharta (Roasted, Mashed & Spiced Eggplant Curry)
18. Spiced Samosa Patties
19. Creamy Vegan Brown Rice & Spring Pea Risotto
20. Quinoa Salad with Peas, Bacon & Golden Raisins
21. Indian Almond Chicken with Peas in Slow Cooker
22. Tofu and Peas Curry (Tofu Matar)
23. Crushed Peas with Smoky Sesame Dressing
24. Curried Potato & Pea Pierogi
Rachel: I love pierogis more than most things and most people (see here) and am usually very upset by any attempt to “update” them or engage in some sort of “fusion.” It is a testament to how good I think this recipe would taste that I am willing to include it at all.
25. Herb Gnocchi with Mid-Season Greens
