Everyone's got a bag or box of frozen peas in the freezer. They're a mainstay -- and not just for treating bruises and black eyes. They're great to have on hand for adding a burst of spring flavor to your winter recipes. You can make a great pea soup or side dish of minted peas using frozen peas without having to wait until spring to enjoy their flavor.
Many people assume that frozen vegetables are terrible -- that they lack flavor and nutrients -- but the opposite is true. Frozen vegetables are flash frozen soon after picking, ensuring they keep all their nutrients, color and fresh flavor. They're just as good as fresh, especially when your market doesn't have the fresh produce available.
Frozen Pea Recipes
Carbonara(01 of25)
Get the Carbonara recipe by Eric Liftin via Food52 (credit:Sarah Shatz)
Peas In Mint Cream(02 of25)
Get the Peas in Mint Cream recipe by poorgirlgourmet via Food52 (credit:Food52)
Stir Fried Shrimp, Eggs And Peas(03 of25)
Get the Stir Fried Shrimp, Eggs and Peas recipe by Steamy Kitchen (credit:Steamy Kitchen)
South Indian Mushroom & Peas Curry(04 of25)
Get the South Indian Mushroom & Peas Curry recipe by Veg Recipes Of India (credit:Veg Recipes Of India)
Lemon Artichoke Ravioli With Chili And Baby Peas(05 of25)
Get the Lemon Artichoke Ravioli with Chili and Baby Peas recipe by DailyMeals via Food52 (credit:DailyMeals/Food52)
Ground Beef With Beijing Sauce Over Noodles(06 of25)
Get the Ground Beef with Beijing Sauce Over Noodles recipe by Steamy Kitchen (credit:Steamy Kitchen)
Peas Kachori(07 of25)
Get the Peas Kachori recipe by Veg Recipes Of India (credit:Veg Recipes Of India)
Spring Pea Hummus(08 of25)
Get the Spring Pea Hummus recipe by Simply Recipes (credit:Simply Recipes)
Farfalle With Steak And Peas(09 of25)
Get the Farfalle with Steak and Peas recipe by thirschfeld via Food52 (credit:thirschfeld/Food52)
Crispy Shallot Fried Rice(10 of25)
Get the Crispy Shallot Fried Rice recipe by Macheesmo (credit:Macheesmo)
Lamb Kheema With Peas(11 of25)
Get the Lamb Kheema with Peas recipe by Skinny Taste (credit:Skinny Taste)
Quinoa Fried Rice(12 of25)
Get the Quinoa Fried Rice recipe by Steamy Kitchen (credit:Steamy Kitchen)
Peas & Pancetta(13 of25)
Get the Peas & Pancetta recipe by La Tavola Marche via Food52 (credit:Food52)
Pea And Shrimp Scampi(14 of25)
This version of the classic shrimp scampi uses frozen peas to add bursts of sweet flavor. Angel hair pasta picks up the thin white wine sauce. Parsley and lemon zest add even more bright flavor. Get the Pea and Shrimp Scampi recipe (credit:New Media Publishing)
Warm Rice Salad With Peas(15 of25)
This simple rice side dish has all the flavor of spring, but it's made with frozen peas so you can enjoy it all year long. A bit of chopped mint adds even more fresh flavor. Serve alongside fish, poultry or meat.Get the Warm Rice Salad with Peas recipe (credit:Lara Ferroni)
Chicken Breasts With Potatoes And Mashed Peas(16 of25)
A side of mashed peas makes a nice accompaniment to roast chicken and fingerling potatoes. All it takes is blanching the frozen peas in water, then pureeing half in a food processor. A little reserved fat from searing the chicken and a few tablespoons of wine add lots of flavor.Get the Chicken Breasts with Potatoes and Mashed Peas recipe (credit:Dana Gallagher/Food & Wine)
Sweet Pea Pesto(17 of25)
Pesto doesn't have to be made from just herbs. This version uses store-bought basil pesto as a base and adds cooked frozen peas. Puree in a food processor and serve over penne for a quick meal.Get the Sweet Pea Pesto recipe (credit:New Media Publishing)
Chicken Tagine With Artichoke Hearts And Peas(18 of25)
Frozen artichoke hearts and frozen peas add bursts of fresh spring flavor to this Moroccan chicken stew. The chicken is simmered in broth flavored with saffron, ginger, coriander, cumin, paprika and turmeric. Serve over couscous if you like.Get the Chicken Tagine with Artichoke Hearts and Peas recipe (credit:Tina Rupp/Food & Wine)
Orecchiette With Pancetta, Peas And Fresh Herbs(19 of25)
A combination of fresh herbs -- mint, parsley and chives -- adds lots of flavor to this easy pasta dish. While the pasta cooks, fry the pancetta and saute the frozen peas in the same skillet. Add the cooked pasta and some of the cooking liquid to create a sauce.Get the Orecchiette with Pancetta, Peas and Fresh Herbs recipe (credit:Quentin Bacon/Food & Wine)
Shrimp And Pea Risotto(20 of25)
This creamy risotto recipe has a bit of Spanish flair from saffron and a bit of Moroccan flair from preserved lemon. The addition of shrimp turns it into a main course. Frozen peas add fresh flavor. Make the recipe with either seafood stock or clam juice for best results.Get the Shrimp and Pea Risotto recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Meatballs With Peas(21 of25)
These beef-and-pork meatballs include raisins for a unique touch of sweetness. Instead of frying the meatballs, broil them in the oven for an easier and healthier rendition. Serve with marinara sauce studded with peas, which adds another layer of sweetness.Get the Meatballs with Peas recipe (credit:Quentin Bacon/Food & Wine)
Creamy Scallop And Pea Fettuccine(22 of25)
This creamy fettuccine recipe uses a white sauce instead of cream to cut down on calories. Peas, chives, and lemon zest and juice add lots of bright flavor. Seared scallops, served on top, complete this highly enjoyable main dish.Get the Creamy Scallop and Pea Fettuccine recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Pea Soup(23 of25)
Beckon spring early by making this emerald green pea soup using frozen peas. The simple recipe comes together in about 35 minutes. It can be made with either chicken or vegetable broth. Freeze extra portions for up to 3 months.Get the Pea Soup recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Whole-Wheat Couscous With Peas(24 of25)
Couscous works as a side dish to numerous main dishes, not just Moroccan ones. Here, frozen peas, lemon zest and dill brighten the average couscous to turn it into a side dish you'll want to make again and again. And it's quick to make too -- just 20 minutes.Get the Whole-Wheat Couscous with Peas recipe (credit:EatingWell)
Mac And Cheese With Peas And Bacon(25 of25)
A garnish of peas and bacon takes this average macaroni and cheese to the next level. Peas add sweet flavor while the bacon adds salty flavor. While the casserole cooks, fry the bacon and cook the peas in the same skillet.Get the Mac and Cheese with Peas and Bacon recipe (credit:Lisa Keenan)
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