The simplest blanks: how to freeze green peas at home for the winter and what to cook from them later

Many are accustomed to the fact that tasty and juicy foods can only be consumed seasonally. But don't forget about freezing. Green peas, like many other foods, are ideal for freezing for the winter. The process will not take more than half an hour, and you can enjoy the taste until the onset of the new season.

At the same time, peas are absolutely unpretentious in relation to neighbors in the freezer. Today you will learn how to freeze green peas at home for the winter and enjoy delicious meals.

Which peas to choose for freezing

The success of freezing and the taste of the product depends on the correct selection of peas. First, make sure that the pod is firm and firm. If it feels too soft, ajar, or rough, it won't work. It is better to eat it right away.

Second, look at the color. Deep green is ideal. White tint, yellow, golden, brownish not suitable for winter preparations.

Third, try pressing lightly on the polka dots to determine their texture. It is difficult, but possible. Best if they are meaty. Unripe peas are too soft, but overripe, on the contrary, are hard.

Important! Do not open the pods if you intend to freeze the peas in the pods. Excess air will make the beans tasteless.

Preparing the refrigerator

Peas are not too whimsical for the neighborhood in the freezer. Of course, it is better to set aside a separate container for legumes. In the absence of such, take care of airtight packaging... If packing in a plastic bag, have two, not one. Peas do not really absorb other people's odors, but this does not mean that they can be put in the same compartment, for example, with fish.

There is an interesting feature. Peas will retain their taste and useful qualities much longer if they are stored in a compartment with a very low temperature for the first two weeks. Suitable - about 18 degrees below zero. Modern freezers are equipped with a similar function, but if your model is not one of them, do not be upset. You just need to eat the peas 2-3 months faster.

Do not forget about the most basic things. The box must be clean and dry. The same applies to the containers in which you will freeze the food.

Preparation of raw materials

Proper preparation of raw materials is very important. Everything is simple here.

Sort the peas. Discard pods with dark spots or signs of dryness or decay. Rinse suitable ones under cool running water. Hot temperatures will not have the best effect on the beans.

How to freeze

Peas are a product that can be frozen in many ways. The choice depends on how you are going to use it in the future, and on the storage conditions.

Raw peas

How to freeze raw peas:

1. Rinse the pods in cool water.
2. Spread out a towel. Dry.
3. If you spot a defective pod, it's best not to freeze it.
4. Peel the peas.
5. Dispense in bags or plastic containers.

Attention! Wash the peas while they are still in the pods. The beans do not need to be rinsed.

Peeled peas after blanching

This is one of the simplest methods that does not require a lot of time and various actions. We advise you to use it if in the future you are going to prepare salads from frozen beans.

Procedure:

1. Pre-select quality peas and remove all debris.
2. Boil water.
3. Add peas to boiling water. You can dip the beans using a colander.
4. Leave in water for 1-2 minutes.
5. Fill a container with cold water, you can even add ice.
6. Transfer the workpiece from hot water to cold water.
7. Leave it on for 10-12 minutes.
8. Spread out tea towels. Dry the peas.
9. Pack the dried beans hermetically.
10. Place in the freezer.

Pre-blanched in pods

The process is identical to the previous recipe:

1. Pick out tough green pods.
2. Rinse thoroughly in cool water.
3. Boil water.
4. Place the pods in a colander. Can be blanched in several passes.
5. Dip in boiling water for 3 minutes.
6. Prepare a container of ice water in advance.
7. Place the pods in cold water for 10 minutes.
8. Spread out a towel.
9. Dry the pods thoroughly evenly on all sides.
10. Pack and place in the freezer.

Important! Remember to cut off the pods' tails.

The pea pods must be dry. Do not package wet beans.

Split peas that are slightly overripe

Fruits of ideal ripeness for freezing are not always available. It happens that the crop is overripe. What to do? Don't despair - these peas can also be frozen. In this case, the blanching method will come to the rescue again:

1. Rinse the pods. Remove the ponytails. Do not use stained fruits.
2. Hull the peas.
3. Put the water on fire.
4. Throw the peas in a colander and rinse. Repeat 2-3 times.
5. While the water is boiling, prepare a second container of very cold water.
6. Dip the colander in boiling water for 1-2 minutes.
7. Transfer the beans to ice cold water.
8. Dry after 10 minutes.
9. Pack and store.

The contrast of temperatures helps maintain the color and shape of the legumes.

Important! The recipe is only suitable for slightly overripe peas. If the fruits are completely dry, it is impossible to "reanimate" them.

Peas in pods

The pods can be frozen whole or cut into oblong pieces. It all depends on the degree of maturity. If the pod is already bulging, you cannot cut it. But you can flat it.

Procedure:

1. Cut the ponytails off the pods.
2. Remove the vein that connects the two flaps. This is easily done by picking up the edge with a knife.
3. Rinse the pods in cool water.
4. Put water on fire.
5. Dip the workpiece in boiling water for 1 minute. Then dry the scalded pods.
6. Once they are completely dry, pack in containers or plastic bags.
7. Avoid getting moisture into the container.

Canned peas

It happens that they opened a can of peas, but all of it was not useful, and it is a pity to throw away the leftovers. Competent housewives know that canned peas can be frozen:

1. Transfer the peas to a colander or strainer.
2. Rinse well.
3. Lay out on a towel, let dry completely.
4. Fold in a container and store.

Important! Don't count on the high vitamin content of frozen canned peas.

This product is well suited for adding to salads.

In ice cube trays

An interesting way that is gaining more and more popularity. Trays for ice are provided for any freezer and differ only in shape and size. How to use them to freeze peas:

1. Select quality peas.
2. Clean up.
3. Rinse the peas. Dry well.
4. Fill ice cube trays with legumes.
5. Fill with water.
6. Freeze for 12 hours.
7. Then carefully remove the frozen food from the mold and transfer to a container for long-term storage.This can be omitted if you have the opportunity not to use the molds for other purposes for a long time.

Note! Be careful when filling out the molds. Remember that when frozen, water expands the shape slightly. Leave some free space on top to prevent damage.

Useful Tips

Any of the methods involves knowing a few tricks:

1. Putting the peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes will eliminate the bitterness.
2. Blanching helps to preserve the color and shape of the fruit.
3. Thoroughly dried peas will never stick together or lose their round shape. But with a wet one, trouble can arise.
4. If in the future it is planned to use peas for decorating dishes, keeping the shape is especially important. To do this, first freeze the peas on a flat surface (cutting board, baking sheet). After 12 hours, transfer the workpiece to the container.

How much can you store

If you keep the peas at temperatures below 18 degrees, 8-10 months of ideal storage are guaranteed. If the camera freezes with a higher temperature, it is better to consume the product within six months. Canned frozen peas should be eaten 4 months in advance.

How to defrost properly

We coped with freezing, now it is important to learn how to properly defrost the product. Everything is simple here, there are no special secrets, except that the presence of sugar during cooking.

Procedure:

1. Put water to boil.
2. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to boiling water. Mix thoroughly.
3. Dip frozen peas into a saucepan.
4. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Rinse the peas under ice water using a colander or other container.

Thanks to the sugar, the rich color of the legumes is preserved during defrosting. Pre-defrosting at room temperature is not necessary, as the peas become too soft and soft.

What dishes to add frozen peas to

Frozen green peas are used in the same dishes as fresh products. The taste remains unchanged when properly frozen. The salads are very beautiful. Canned peas have an unsaturated color and softer consistency, while frozen products are firm and bright green in color.

For salad

Peas perfectly complement a vegetable or meat salad, so feel free to add this ingredient to your favorite recipes.
How to defrost salad peas:

1. Put water on fire.
2. Add a spoonful of sugar and salt to boiling water. Stir, cook for 1 minute.
3. Add legumes, stir.
4. Pour in 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
5. Cook for 5-7 minutes with the lid closed.
6. Remove the peas and cool. You can use a container with cold water.

Important! It is necessary to cool it down. Do not put peas in the salad while hot, otherwise it will lose shape.

Frozen peas will ideally refresh Olivier, go well with salads, which have boiled potatoes. The dish turns out to be not only tasty, but also satisfying.

Pea garnish

From frozen peas at any time of the year, you can make a hearty and healthy side dish with the addition of other vegetables. This dish is suitable for fried or steam cutlets.

Ingredients:

• carrot;
• onion;
• frozen peas;
• salt;
• oil for frying.

Cooking method:

1. Chop the onions and carrots in any way you like.
2. Saute vegetables over medium heat.
3. After about 5 minutes add frozen peas. No preliminary defrosting is required.
4. Close the lid. Simmer for 7 minutes.

Advice... If desired, a small piece of butter can be added to an almost finished dish. The taste will be slightly different, and vitamins are better absorbed. For a spicy flavor, place a mint leaf a minute before cooking.

Whip up soup

Soup with the addition of frozen peas turns out to be light and tasty.

Ingredients:

• onion;
• carrot;
• chicken fillet (any meat to taste);
• 1 egg;
• salt;
• 1 liter of water for 500 g of meat;
• greens optional.

Preparation:

1. Cook the broth.
2. While the broth is cooking, peel and dice the potatoes.
3. Fry grated carrots and chopped onions in a pan.
4. Remove the meat from the broth.
5. Add all vegetables to the broth.
6. After 10 minutes, add 1 cup frozen green peas.
7. Add the meat to the broth again.
8. Salt, cook for 10 minutes.

You can add a portioned boiled egg to the finished dish for decoration. Greens are also added as desired.

Puree

Ingredients:

• potatoes;
• frozen peas;
• 1 tbsp. l. sour cream;
• butter;
• 1 clove of garlic;
• salt.

Cooking method:

1. Boil the potatoes for 20-25 minutes.
2. Add frozen peas. Cook for another 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat, drain water.
4. Add chopped garlic, butter and a spoonful of sour cream.
5. Use a pusher to give the dish the desired consistency.

Ideally served with fish.

Read also:

How to grow peas at home on a windowsill and what is needed for this.

A selection of the best recipes for pickled peas for the winter without sterilization.

How to pickle green peas for the winter at home.

Let's sum up

Freezing peas does not take long. Blanching preserves flavor, color and shape. Peas are stored for a long time, up to 10 months. Beans are frozen in various ways, depending on the characteristics of the freezer and your own preferences.

The frozen product is great for vegetable, potato and meat salads, and the juicy side dish is great for fish or meat. Pea puree without spices is included in the children's menu, and chicken soup will be appreciated by supporters of a healthy diet.