English Peas

Fresh English peas bring garden-sweet flavor and vibrant green color to your kitchen, making them a beloved staple in both British and American cuisine. Also known as garden peas or green peas, English peas are the tender, round seeds found inside plump green pods. These legumes offer a delicate, naturally sweet taste with a slightly starchy texture when cooked. Unlike snap peas or snow peas where you eat the entire pod, English peas require shelling to reveal the edible pearls inside. Their bright, fresh flavor makes them particularly popular in spring and early summer dishes across European and American cooking traditions. English peas are commonly featured in classic British dishes like mushy peas, shepherd's pie, and pea soup, while also appearing in American favorites such as split pea soup, pot pies, and mixed vegetable medleys. When cooking English peas, brief preparation preserves their sweet flavor and prevents them from becoming mushy. Steam or boil them for just 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then season with butter, salt, and fresh herbs like mint or parsley. They pair beautifully with carrots, potatoes, and onions in hearty stews and casseroles. For a simple side dish, sauté them with bacon or pancetta and finish with a splash of cream. English peas also work wonderfully in pasta dishes, risottos, and grain salads. Try adding them to quiches, frittatas, or spring vegetable soups for extra nutrition and color. Store fresh English peas in their pods in the refrigerator and shell them just before cooking for the best flavor and texture.