Peas Please

Healthy Vegetarian Peas Please Recipe with Black-Eyed Peas, Chickpeas, and Pigeon Peas

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Peas Please is a delicious and nutritious salad that combines a variety of peas with avocado, tomatoes, and scallions on a bed of mixed greens. This refreshing dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner.

History

Peas Please is a modern twist on traditional pea salads, incorporating different types of peas for added texture and flavor. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the natural sweetness and crunch of peas in a fresh and vibrant salad.

Ingredients

1.75 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1.75 cups chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1.75 cups pigeon peas, drained and rinsed
1 avocado, peeled and diced
1 pt (473 ml) grape tomatoes
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
8 cups mixed salad greens such as mesclun

How to prepare

Pat dry the peas using paper towels.
In a large serving bowl, combine the peas, avocado, tomatoes, and scallions.
Season to taste, dress with your preferred dressing, and toss well.
To serve, arrange equal portions of greens on individual plates, and spoon equal portions of the pea mixture onto beds of lettuce.

Variations

Add cooked quinoa or couscous for added protein and texture.
Mix in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy flavor.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze or a citrus vinaigrette for a different dressing option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pat dry the peas before combining them with the other ingredients to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

- Use a mix of fresh and canned peas for a variety of textures.

- Customize the salad by adding your favorite herbs or spices to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peas Please as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing lunch option.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to drain and rinse the peas before using them in the salad to remove excess sodium.

- Use a sharp knife to dice the avocado and slice the scallions for even and uniform pieces.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid crushing the peas and avocado.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any combination of peas you have on hand, such as green peas, sugar snap peas, or snow peas.

- Substitute cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes if desired.

- Swap out the avocado for diced cucumber or bell peppers for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Peas Please can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wait to add the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the salad on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation. Serve in individual bowls or on plates for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Peas Please with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, for a refreshing and light meal. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a splash of citrus juice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Peas Please in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salad in the microwave or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peas Please contains approximately 250 calories, making it a light and healthy option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Peas Please is a great source of carbohydrates, with the peas and avocado providing a healthy dose of fiber and energy.

Fats

The avocado in Peas Please adds healthy fats to the dish, providing essential nutrients for brain health and overall well-being.

Proteins

The combination of peas in this salad provides a good amount of plant-based proteins, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

Peas Please is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the peas, avocado, and tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains avocado and may not be suitable for those with avocado allergies.

Summary

Peas Please is a nutrient-dense salad that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Peas Please is a vibrant and flavorful salad that combines a variety of peas with avocado, tomatoes, and scallions on a bed of mixed greens. This nutritious dish is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for dinner, providing a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was a warm summer day many years ago when I stumbled upon the secret to making the most delicious dish of peas I had ever tasted. I had been visiting my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was known far and wide for her culinary skills. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping tea and catching up on the latest gossip, she suddenly got a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Have you ever tried my famous Peas Please dish, my dear?" she asked, a sly smile playing on her lips.

I shook my head, intrigued by the mysterious name of this dish. Mrs. Jenkins clapped her hands together and exclaimed, "Well, then you are in for a real treat! Let me show you how it's done."

And so, she led me over to her stove and began to pull out ingredients from her well-stocked pantry. Fresh peas, butter, garlic, onions, and a few secret spices that she refused to reveal. As she chopped and sautéed and stirred, the kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma. I could hardly wait to taste the final product.

When the dish was finally ready, Mrs. Jenkins dished out a generous portion onto a plate and handed it to me with a flourish. I took a hesitant bite, unsure of what to expect. But as soon as the flavors exploded on my taste buds, I knew I had discovered something truly special.

The peas were perfectly tender, bathed in a velvety sauce that was rich and savory. The garlic and onions had caramelized to perfection, adding a depth of flavor that I had never experienced before. And those secret spices? They added a subtle kick that lingered on my tongue, making me crave more with each bite.

I couldn't help but exclaim in delight, showering Mrs. Jenkins with compliments and praise. She simply beamed with pride, pleased to have shared her culinary masterpiece with me.

From that day on, Peas Please became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet evenings when I craved comfort food. And each time I prepared it, I couldn't help but think of Mrs. Jenkins and the joy she had brought into my life with her delicious recipe.

Over the years, I have tinkered and tweaked the recipe to make it my own. I've added a splash of white wine for a touch of elegance, or swapped out the butter for olive oil to make it a bit healthier. But no matter how many variations I try, the essence of Peas Please remains the same - a dish that warms the soul and delights the senses.

As I look back on that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the gift she gave me. Not just the recipe for Peas Please, but the joy of cooking and sharing good food with loved ones. And though she may be long gone now, her spirit lives on in every pot of peas I simmer on my stove.

So here's to you, Mrs. Jenkins, wherever you may be. Thank you for teaching me the magic of Peas Please, and for inspiring me to create culinary delights of my own. Your legacy lives on in every delicious bite.