Steaming Lincoln Peas: A Step-By-Step Guide To Perfection

Cooking peas may seem simple, but there are a few tricks to ensure you get the best results. Frozen peas are convenient and taste great, and you can steam them without needing to defrost them first. To steam Lincoln peas, start by placing a steamer basket in a pot of water and bringing it to a boil. Then, add the peas, cover, and steam for 2-4 minutes for fresh peas or 3-4 minutes for frozen peas. You can also steam peas in a pan with a small amount of water, or even in the microwave.

How to steam cook Lincoln peas on a stovetop

Lincoln peas, also known as sweet peas, are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cook Lincoln peas on a stovetop:

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

Lincoln peas are typically sold in pods, so before cooking, you will need to remove the peas from their pods. This process is known as shelling. To shell the peas, start by removing the stem end of the pod with your fingers. Then, peel away the string that runs along the length of the pod. Gently open the pod and remove the peas.

Step 2: Gather Your Ingredients and Equipment

For steaming Lincoln peas on the stovetop, you will need the following ingredients:

• Lincoln peas (freshly shelled or frozen)
• Water
• Unsalted butter or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

You will also need a stovetop, a saucepan with a lid, and a steamer basket.

Step 3: Set Up Your Steamer

Fill the saucepan with an inch of water, making sure the water level is below the steamer basket. Place the steamer basket in the saucepan and bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Steam the Peas

Once the water is boiling, carefully add the Lincoln peas to the steamer basket. Cover the saucepan with a lid and reduce the heat to medium. Steam the peas for 2-4 minutes for fresh peas or 3-5 minutes for frozen peas. Check the peas occasionally to ensure they are tender and still bright green.

Step 5: Season and Serve

Once the peas are tender, remove the steamer basket from the saucepan and transfer the peas to a serving bowl. Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter or olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the peas gently to coat them with the butter or oil and seasonings. Serve the Lincoln peas hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• For a more flavorful dish, try adding minced garlic, fresh herbs such as mint or tarragon, or a squeeze of lemon juice to the cooked peas.
• You can also experiment with different types of peas, such as petite peas or standard green peas, to find your preferred variety.
• If you don't have a steamer basket, you can also steam Lincoln peas without one. Simply combine the peas and water in a saucepan, cover, and cook over medium-high heat until the peas are steaming hot, stirring occasionally.

How to steam Lincoln peas in a microwave

Lincoln peas, like other types of peas, are a nutritious and tasty addition to any meal. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam Lincoln peas in a microwave:

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

If you're using fresh Lincoln peas, start by shelling them and removing their outer skin. If you're short on time, you can also use frozen Lincoln peas, which are just as nutritious and tasty as fresh ones. The convenience of frozen peas lies in the fact that they don't need to be thawed before microwaving, so you can cook them straight from the freezer.

Step 2: Place the Peas in a Microwave-Safe Container

Place the desired amount of fresh or frozen Lincoln peas in a microwave-safe container. This can be a microwave-safe bowl or a plastic bag specifically designed for microwave use. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the peas and allow for some expansion during cooking.

Step 3: Add a Small Amount of Water

Add a small amount of water to the container with the peas. The water will create steam, helping to cook the peas evenly and retain their moisture. For every cup of peas, about 2 tablespoons of water should suffice.

Step 4: Cover and Seal the Container

Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. If using plastic wrap, ensure it is microwave-safe, and pierce a few holes to allow steam to escape. If using a plastic bag, seal it but leave a small gap for steam to vent. This step is crucial for capturing the steam and cooking the peas effectively.

Step 5: Microwave the Peas

Place the covered container in the microwave and set the cooking time. The cooking time will depend on the power of your microwave and the amount of peas you are cooking. As a general guideline, microwave on high power for 3-5 minutes for fresh peas and 1-2 minutes for frozen peas. Remember that microwaves can vary, so you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Step 6: Stir and Check for Doneness

After the initial cooking time, carefully remove the container from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to protect your hands from the steam. Give the peas a quick stir to ensure even cooking. Check if the peas are tender and cooked to your desired doneness. If they need more time, return them to the microwave in short intervals of 30 seconds to one minute until done.

Step 7: Season and Serve

Once the Lincoln peas are cooked to your liking, it's time to season and serve them. You can simply add some butter, salt, and pepper to taste, or get creative with seasonings like garlic powder, lemon zest, or Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your steamed Lincoln peas as a side dish or add them to your favourite recipes like salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes.

How to steam cook Lincoln peas with garlic

Lincoln peas, also known as English peas, are a delicious and healthy treat. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam-cook them with garlic:

Ingredients:

• Lincoln peas (fresh or frozen)
• Garlic
• Butter or olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

Step-by-Step Guide:

• If using fresh Lincoln peas, start by shelling them to remove the peas from their pods. Frozen peas can be used directly without thawing.
• Combine the peas with a small amount of water in a medium saucepan. The water should be just enough to cover the bottom of the pan and create steam.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. For fresh peas, you can also use a steamer basket inside the pan with an inch of water below the basket.
• Cover the pan and bring the water to a simmer. Cook the peas until they are tender and still bright green. This usually takes around 2-8 minutes, depending on the type of peas used.
• While the peas are cooking, you can prepare the garlic. Finely chop or mince the garlic cloves.
• In a separate pan, heat some butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. You can use unsalted butter or extra-virgin olive oil for a healthier option.
• Add the chopped garlic to the melted butter or oil and sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. This should take around 30 seconds.
• Once the peas are cooked, drain the water and return the peas to the pan.
• Add the sautéed garlic to the peas, along with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for extra flavor.
• Stir everything together and serve while hot.

Tips:

• Do not boil the peas as this can make them mushy and bland.
• Avoid adding salt to the peas until they are ready to serve. Salting too early can dehydrate them and affect their sweetness.
• If you want to enhance the sweetness of the peas, you can add a little sugar while cooking.
• For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream to the peas.
• You can also experiment with additional ingredients like mint leaves, minced onion, lemon juice, or Parmesan cheese.

How to steam cook Lincoln peas with herbs

Lincoln peas are a type of green pea, and there are a few ways to steam cook them with herbs. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Lincoln peas (fresh or frozen)
• Water
• Butter (unsalted or salted) or olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs (such as dill, chives, chervil, parsley, basil, or mint)
• Optional: garlic, sugar, lemon juice, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Method:

If using fresh Lincoln peas, start by shelling them and removing the peas from their pods. Frozen peas can be used directly without thawing.

To steam cook Lincoln peas with herbs, you will need a saucepan or skillet, and optionally a steamer basket. Here are two methods:

Method 1: Steaming without a basket

• Combine 1 pound of peas with 1/2 cup of water in a medium saucepan.
• Cover the saucepan and place it over medium-high heat.
• Stir the peas occasionally and lower the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
• Cook until the peas are steaming hot and tender, which should take around 6 to 8 minutes.
• Drain the water from the peas and return them to the pan.
• Add butter or olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and chopped fresh herbs. Stir until combined.

Method 2: Steaming with a basket

• Set up a saucepan with a steamer basket, filling it with an inch of water (just below the basket).
• Bring the water to a boil.
• Add the peas to the steamer basket, cover, and steam for 3-4 minutes for frozen peas or 2-3 minutes for fresh peas.
• Cook until the peas are crisp-tender and still bright green.
• Remove the basket from the saucepan and toss the peas with butter or olive oil, salt and pepper, and chopped fresh herbs.

Optional additions:

For a simple yet delicious flavour boost, consider adding some crushed garlic and a pinch of sugar to the peas while cooking. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese can also enhance the dish.

How to steam cook Lincoln peas with lemon

Lincoln peas are a type of sweet pea, and while they can be eaten raw, cooking brings out their sweetness and makes for a delicious side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to steam cook Lincoln peas with lemon:

Ingredients:

• Lincoln peas (fresh or frozen)
• Butter (unsalted or salted)
• Lemon
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

Instructions:

• If using fresh Lincoln peas, start by shelling them to remove the peas from their pods. Frozen peas can be used directly without thawing.
• Combine the peas with a small amount of water in a medium saucepan. The water should just cover the bottom of the pan to create a simmering effect.
• Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Cover the pan to trap the steam and cook the peas evenly.
• Cook the peas for 2-4 minutes for fresh peas or 3-5 minutes for frozen peas. Stir occasionally to prevent overheating.
• Drain the water from the peas once they are crisp-tender and still bright green.
• Return the peas to the pan and add butter, salt, and pepper to taste. Squeeze in some lemon juice to enhance the flavour.
• Stir everything together until the butter is melted and coats the peas.
• Serve the Lincoln peas with lemon while they are still hot and enjoy!

Tips:

• Do not overcook the peas as this will result in mushy peas.
• Avoid boiling the peas as it can make them bland and mushy.
• Add a little sugar to enhance the natural sweetness of the peas.
• For a vegan option, substitute butter with extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil.
• Experiment with other seasonings like garlic, mint, or Parmesan cheese.

Frequently asked questions