How to preserve green peas (Frozen Peas)

Frozen peas are easily available in market but I prefer to preserve them at home. Home preserved frozen peas are healthier and tastier. Every winter, I preserve green peas. Winter is the time for the freshest green vegetables in India and it is great to preserve some of them like freezing fresh peas or drying and preserving leafy vegetables. When in winter season green peas are very cheap, that's the right time to bring and store them. Frozen peas are great when peas are out of season and you need green peas immediately. Peas are not only good in taste, but is also have high nutritious value. It consists of Protein, Carbohydrate, Vitamins, Minerals and Fibers.

Ingredients:

1 kg peas
1 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar

Instructions:

Remove the peas from the pod, set aside. Wash them well with water.

In a big pot, add water, salt and sugar. Bring the water to boil.
Add the peas and bring to boil for just about 2 minutes. The peas will float on the top.

Turn off the heat and strain the peas through a sieve to remove excess water.

Immediately place them in chilled water. This is to stop the further cooking process.

Strain the peas again through a sieve to remove the excess water. Fill up these green peas in small polythene bags or zip lock bags. Spread the peas in bag. Place them in freezer of your refrigerator. Keep the bag horizontally in the freezer.

Frozen Peas are ready to use. Whenever you want you can use then in your favourite curry or snacks.

Tips:

• If you are preserving a big batch of peas, it is better to boil them in parts rather than all together. This would ensure they get evenly cooked.
• Sugar is used to add nice green color to peas.
• Don’t boil for too long else the peas will lose their colour and will shrivel up.
• You can use chilled water or add some ice to the water.
• You can also use containers instead of bags. But it is convenient to use plastic bags as they occupies less space in the fridge too.