Steaming Pes: How Long Should You Steam?

Cooking peas in a steamer is a great way to retain their nutrients and vibrant colour. The process is simple: add water to a steamer pot and bring it to a boil. Then, place the peas in a steamer basket, put the basket over the boiling water, cover with a lid, and steam for 3-4 minutes. Once the peas are tender, they're ready to be seasoned and served.

How to steam fresh peas

Preparation

Before cooking, you'll need to shell the peas by removing them from their pods. You can also add a pinch of salt to the water in the steamer pot to enhance the peas' natural flavour.

Steaming

Add water to a steamer pot and bring it to a boil. Place the shelled peas in a steamer basket and put the basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot and steam the peas for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become tender. Remove the peas from the steamer basket and serve hot.

Tips

• To retain their vibrant colour and nutrients, steaming is the best method for cooking fresh peas.
• Avoid overcooking fresh peas, as this will make them mushy and cause them to lose their flavour and colour.
• If you're short on time, you can steam frozen peas instead of fresh ones. Simply increase the steaming time to 10-12 minutes.

How to steam frozen peas

Cooking frozen peas is easy and can be done in a few simple steps. Here is how to steam frozen peas:

Step 1: Prepare the Steamer

Add water to a steamer pot and bring it to a boil. Place the steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the water level is just below the basket.

Step 2: Add the Peas

Once the water is boiling, carefully pour the desired amount of frozen peas into the steamer basket. There is no need to defrost the peas before cooking.

Step 3: Steam the Peas

Cover the pot with a lid and let the peas steam for 2-4 minutes for frozen peas or 3-4 minutes for fresh peas. Check the peas occasionally to ensure they do not overcook.

Step 4: Remove and Serve

Remove the steamer basket from the pot when the peas are tender and still bright green. Be careful when handling the hot basket. Serve the peas immediately while they are still hot.

Tips for Perfect Peas:

• Avoid boiling peas as it can make them mushy and bland.
• Add a little sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Do not add salt until ready to serve, as salting too early can dehydrate the peas.
• Try adding fresh herbs like mint or tarragon to the steamer for extra flavor.
• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of butter after cooking.
• Experiment with additional ingredients like minced onion, a squeeze of lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese.

How long to steam peas for

Steaming is a great way to cook peas, preserving their nutrients, colour and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to steaming peas.

Firstly, you will need a steamer pot with a steamer basket. Add water to the steamer pot and bring it to a boil. Place the peas in the steamer basket and put the basket over the boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid. The steam will gently cook the peas.

How long you steam the peas for depends on the type of peas you are using. Fresh peas will take around 3-4 minutes to steam. You will know they are done when they are tender. Frozen peas will take a little longer, around 3-4 minutes, and they should be cooked until they are crisp-tender and still bright green.

Once the peas are cooked, remove the steamer basket from the pot and serve the peas hot. You can season them with butter, salt and pepper, or olive oil and lemon zest.

If you don't have a steamer basket, you can still steam peas in a saucepan. Simply combine the peas and water in a saucepan, cover and place over medium-high heat. Cook until the peas are steaming hot, about 6 minutes. Drain off the water and stir in butter, salt and pepper.

What to season steamed peas with

Steaming is a great way to cook peas, preserving their flavour and texture. But what should you season them with? Here are some ideas to take your steamed peas to the next level:

Butter

A classic pairing with peas, butter adds a rich and indulgent mouthfeel to the dish. You can also use a blend of butter and olive oil, or vegan butter for a plant-based option.

Salt and Pepper

A little salt and pepper can go a long way in bringing out the natural sweetness of the peas. Just be sure not to add salt until the peas are ready to serve, as salting too early can dehydrate them.

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, tarragon, dill, chives, mint, parsley, sage, or rosemary can enhance the flavour of steamed peas. Add them right before serving for maximum impact.

Lemon

The tartness of lemon complements the sweetness of peas perfectly. Try combining steamed peas with a drizzle of olive oil, some dill, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Parmesan

A sprinkle of Parmesan or another hard cheese adds a savoury, umami note to the dish.

Garlic

Garlic is a great way to add depth of flavour to steamed peas. Try sautéing some minced garlic in butter before adding your cooked peas to the pan and giving them a quick toss.

Sugar

A pinch of sugar can enhance the natural sweetness of peas, but be careful not to add too much.

Spices

Experiment with spices like paprika, turmeric, dill, cilantro, oregano, mustard, thyme, or caraway to find a combination that suits your taste.

Vinaigrette

For a more complex flavour profile, try tossing your steamed peas with a vinaigrette dressing.

Cream

The sweet flavour of peas goes well with cream or sour cream. You can even mix them with a white sauce or alfredo sauce for an indulgent side dish.

So, the next time you steam some peas, don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! Experiment with different combinations of herbs, spices, and other ingredients to find your perfect flavour profile.

How to cook frozen peas in the microwave

Cooking frozen peas in the microwave is a quick and easy way to prepare this tasty vegetable. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

Place the desired amount of frozen peas on a microwave-safe plate. You can also use a microwave-safe bowl, but a plate will allow the peas to cook more evenly. If you want to cook a large amount of peas, consider using a microwave-safe dish with a lid.

Step 2: Add Water

Sprinkle a small amount of water over the peas. This will help the peas cook more evenly and prevent them from drying out. You can also add a tablespoon or two of butter for richer flavour. However, if you're looking for a healthier option, you can substitute olive oil instead.

Step 3: Microwave

Microwave the peas for 2-3 minutes. The exact time will depend on your microwave and the desired tenderness of the peas. For firmer peas, microwave for a shorter duration, while longer cooking times will result in softer peas. Remember that microwaves can vary, so it's important to keep an eye on the peas to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Stir and Taste

After microwaving, carefully remove the dish from the microwave and give the peas a stir. Taste one to see if they are cooked to your liking. If not, return them to the microwave in short intervals until they reach the desired level of tenderness.

Step 5: Drain and Season

Once the peas are cooked, drain off any excess water and season to taste. A simple option is to add a pinch of salt and pepper, but you can also get creative with other seasonings. Some popular options include fresh herbs like mint or tarragon, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Perfect Peas:

• Avoid boiling frozen peas as it can make them mushy and bland.
• Don't add salt until you're ready to serve. Salting too early can dehydrate the peas and affect their sweetness.
• Add a little sugar to enhance their natural sweetness.
• Try adding some crushed garlic or minced onion for extra flavour.
• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream.

Frequently asked questions