Dried Peas

What Are Dried Peas?

Dried peas (Pisum sativum) are a legume obtained by letting fresh pea seeds mature and dry. They come in two main colors, yellow and green, and are sold whole or split.

Compared to fresh peas, they have a more concentrated flavor and a starchy texture; since they are dried, they are available year-round and can be stored for a long time.

Nutritional Values of Dried Peas

100 grams of boiled dried peas contain approximately 118 kcal, 8.3 g plant-based protein, and 8.3 g fiber. They are also a valuable legume in terms of iron and B-group vitamins.

What Are the Benefits of Dried Peas?

With their high fiber and plant protein content, dried peas are a filling and economical legume as part of a balanced diet. Their slow-digesting carbohydrate structure has traditionally made them regarded as a food that sustains energy over a long period.

This information is general; dried peas are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Dried Peas?

Quality dried peas should have a vivid yellow or green color; paleness and dust buildup are signs of staleness.

• The peas should be uniform in size; a mix of different sizes leads to uneven cooking.
• The proportion of broken peas should be low.
• The package should not have absorbed moisture and should be dry.

How to Store Dried Peas?

Dried peas can be kept in a closed container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 1 year. The boiled version stays fresh in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days; it can also be frozen in soup consistency.

Using Dried Peas in the Kitchen

Dried peas are used most often in soups and puree-consistency dishes; they are also cooked whole in meat or olive-oil dishes.

How to Make Dried Pea Soup?

Soaked peas are boiled with onion and carrot in water for 40-50 minutes until the grains fall apart; then blended into a smooth consistency.

How to Cook Dried Peas?

Peas soaked overnight are drained and boiled in plenty of water over low heat for 40-50 minutes, until soft; the foam that forms while boiling should be skimmed off with a spoon.

Which Recipes Use Dried Peas?

Dried pea soup, dried pea puree, dried pea stew with meat, and olive-oil peas are among the most common recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dried peas and fresh peas?

Fresh peas are harvested before ripening and eaten fresh, while dried peas are fully matured and then dried; their taste is more concentrated and their texture more starchy.

Can dried peas be cooked without soaking?

They can be cooked without soaking, but the cooking time increases significantly; soaking both shortens the time and makes digestion easier.

What are dried peas good for?

They are rich in fiber and plant protein; as part of a balanced diet they are a filling food. They are a food; they do not claim to cure any disease.

How long does it take to cook dried peas?

After soaking, they fully soften in an average of 40-50 minutes; in a pressure cooker this time drops to 20 minutes.

Is there a difference between yellow and green dried peas?

Their nutritional values are very close to each other; the difference is mostly in color and a slight taste nuance. Both are cooked the same way.