Pea Recipe Ideas: Delicious Dishes to Try at Home

Pea Recipe Ideas – Peas are a versatile ingredient that can elevate both simple and sophisticated dishes, offering a natural sweetness and a vibrant green color that enhances presentation. From fresh garden peas to frozen varieties, they can be incorporated into countless recipes. One classic idea is pea soup—either a smooth and creamy purée paired with mint and cream or a chunky rustic version with ham or pancetta for depth. Peas also work beautifully in risottos, where their sweetness balances the creaminess of the rice and pairs wonderfully with Parmesan or lemon zest. For a lighter option, peas can be blended into a pesto with basil, garlic, and nuts to serve over pasta, zucchini noodles, or as a spread.

They also shine in side dishes such as buttered peas with herbs, pea and feta salads, or as part of grain bowls with quinoa or couscous. Even appetizers like pea hummus or mashed pea dips add a fresh twist. Whether used whole, mashed, or puréed, peas bring freshness, nutrition, and subtle sweetness to a wide range of meals.

Pea Recipe Ideas

Classic Creamy Pea Soup

Credit @ramsayskitchen

A velvety smooth pea soup that combines sweetness from peas with savory onion and garlic.
It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and fancy appetizers.
Best served with crusty bread or a drizzle of cream on top.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups frozen or fresh peas

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Steps

1. Place a large pot on medium heat and add olive oil, letting it warm for 1–2 minutes.

2. Add chopped onion and sauté slowly, stirring often until softened and lightly golden, about 6–7 minutes.

3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

4. Add peas and vegetable broth, then bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes to soften peas fully.

6. Use an immersion blender (or transfer carefully to a blender) and blend until silky smooth.

7. Stir in heavy cream if using, then season generously with salt and pepper.

8. Serve hot with crusty bread, or chill and serve cold as a refreshing soup.

Pea & Mint Risotto

Credit @jonesthegrocer

A creamy Italian rice dish bursting with the freshness of mint and sweetness of peas.
It’s a comforting yet elegant dinner, perfect with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
The slow stirring makes the rice luxuriously creamy without added cream.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice

• ½ cup dry white wine

• 4 cups warm vegetable stock

• 1 cup peas

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steps

1. Warm stock in a saucepan and keep on low heat.

2. In another pan, heat butter and olive oil until melted together.

3. Add onion and cook slowly until softened and translucent, about 6 minutes.

4. Stir in arborio rice, coating it in butter and oil for 1–2 minutes until slightly toasted.

5. Pour in white wine and stir continuously until fully absorbed by rice.

6. Add a ladle of warm stock, stirring constantly until liquid is absorbed.

7. Keep adding stock, one ladle at a time, stirring slowly each time before adding more.

8. After about 18–20 minutes, the rice will be creamy and al dente.

9. Stir in peas and cook for another 2 minutes.

10. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan and mint, season with salt and pepper.

11. Cover for 2 minutes, then serve warm.

Garlic Butter Peas

Credit @Swadist Kitchen with Rinki

A quick side dish where peas are sautéed in garlic-infused butter.
It’s simple yet flavorful, perfect for weeknight meals or holiday tables.
The butter coats the peas, making them glossy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 cups peas

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Steps

1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.

2. Add garlic and cook gently for 30–45 seconds until fragrant.

3. Stir in peas and toss to coat them fully in butter.

4. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring often, until peas are tender and bright green.

5. Season with salt and pepper, stir again.

6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

7. Serve warm as a side to chicken, fish, or roasted meats.

Pea & Feta Salad

Credit @thetaylortable

A refreshing cold salad mixing sweet peas, tangy feta, and a light lemon dressing.
It’s crisp, colorful, and great as a side for summer meals.
The feta adds a creamy, salty contrast to the peas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peas, blanched

• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh mint or parsley for garnish

Steps

1. Bring a pot of water to boil and add peas. Cook for 2 minutes until bright green.

2. Drain immediately and transfer peas into ice water to keep color and texture.

3. Drain again and pat dry, placing peas into a mixing bowl.

4. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until combined.

5. Pour dressing over peas and toss gently.

6. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and mix lightly.

7. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve chilled.

Pea & Potato Curry

Credit @veganricha

A spiced vegetarian curry with peas and potatoes simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
It’s hearty, warming, and pairs beautifully with rice or naan.
The spices give it depth, while peas bring a pop of sweetness.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1-inch ginger, grated

• 2 potatoes, diced

• 2 cups peas

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

• 1 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp turmeric

• 1 tsp garam masala

• 1 tsp chili powder

• ½ tsp salt

Steps

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.

3. Stir in onion and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes.

4. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 more minute.

5. Sprinkle in turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and salt, stirring to coat onions.

6. Add diced tomatoes, stirring and cooking until softened and thickened, 5–6 minutes.

7. Stir in diced potatoes and cook for 3 minutes to absorb flavors.

8. Add 1 cup water, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are nearly tender.

9. Stir in peas and simmer for another 5 minutes.

10. Taste and adjust seasoning.

11. Serve hot with rice or naan bread.

Pea & Ricotta Crostini

Credit @champagneandcookies

A light appetizer featuring creamy ricotta topped with smashed peas on toasted bread.
Perfect for parties, picnics, or a quick elegant snack.
The balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh flavors is delightful.

Ingredients

• 1 baguette, sliced into rounds

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup peas

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange baguette slices on a tray.

2. Brush lightly with olive oil and bake for 6–8 minutes until golden and crisp.

3. Boil peas in salted water for 2 minutes, then drain and cool slightly.

4. Mash peas roughly with a fork, adding lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

5. Spread ricotta on each toasted baguette slice.

6. Spoon mashed peas on top, pressing gently.

7. Garnish with fresh mint and serve immediately.

Pea & Ham Pasta

Credit @hilshealthyeats

A quick pasta dish with creamy sauce, salty ham, and sweet peas.
It’s a balanced one-pan meal, great for busy weeknights.
The peas lighten the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients

• 2 cups pasta of choice

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup diced ham

• 1 cup peas

• ½ cup cream

• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, drain the rest.

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced ham for 2 minutes.

3. Stir in peas and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Add cream and Parmesan, stirring to form a sauce.

5. Toss pasta into the skillet, mixing well.

6. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

7. Season with salt and pepper, serve hot.

Pea & Lemon Orzo Salad

Credit @juliusroberts

A fresh spring salad featuring orzo pasta, peas, and a zesty lemon dressing.
It’s light yet satisfying, perfect as a picnic or BBQ side.
The lemon brightens the sweet peas beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 cup orzo pasta

• 1 cup peas

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh basil or parsley

Steps

1. Cook orzo in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cool water.

2. Boil peas for 2 minutes, drain, and mix with orzo.

3. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour dressing over orzo and peas, tossing well.

5. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Pea & Cheese Fritters

Credit @oryana.coop

Crispy golden fritters made with peas, cheese, and herbs.
Great as snacks, party food, or even a light lunch.
They’re crunchy on the outside and fluffy inside.

Ingredients

• 2 cups peas

• 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

• ½ cup flour

• 2 eggs

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Salt and pepper

• Oil for frying

Steps

1. Mash peas lightly with a fork.

2. Mix peas, cheese, flour, eggs, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Drop spoonfuls of mixture into hot oil, flatten slightly.

5. Fry 3–4 minutes each side until golden.

6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.

Shepherd’s Pie with Peas

Credit @dreamstime.com

A comforting casserole layered with savory ground beef, peas, and creamy mashed potatoes.
It’s a hearty family favorite, perfect for cold nights.
The peas add sweetness and freshness to the dish.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 1 cup peas

• 4 cups mashed potatoes

• Salt and pepper

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook onion and carrots until softened.

3. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.

4. Stir in tomato paste and beef broth, simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper.

6. Spread meat mixture into a baking dish.

7. Spoon mashed potatoes over top, spreading evenly.

8. Bake for 25 minutes until top is golden.

9. Serve hot.