Italian cuisine has a way of enchanting us with its rich history and incredible tastes. If you love food as I do, you enjoy exploring the world of recipes. I have found joy in trying various dishes, using both modern and ancient recipes.
Green pea recipes from Italy hold a special spot for me. They not only look great but also add healthy color to any meal. The taste of Italy shines through these recipes, ranging from Peas Risotto to Peas alla Romana.
Whether you’re a pro cook or just starting, these dishes are easy to love. They offer both bold flavors and a simple elegance that quickly makes them a kitchen favorite.
Let’s uncover the heart of Italian cooking with these pea-based dishes. Each one is a tribute to great taste, tradition, and sharing good food with those we love.
Table of Contents
Classic Peas alla Romana
Step into the world of Peas alla Romana, a cherished Italian dish that highlights the sweet taste of peas. Its origins trace back to Rome’s ancient streets. This recipe uses olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, green peas, and chicken stock, seasoned with salt and pepper. It truly embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, bringing together simple ingredients to create a rich and cozy dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (500g) squid, cleaned and chopped
- 1 lb (300-500g) frozen peas
- ½ lb (200g) canned tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and transparent, about 15 minutes.
- Next, mix in the garlic and cook for an extra 2 minutes, watching to not burn it.
- Now, put the squid in the pan, and cook for 5 minutes until it turns white.
- After that, add the tomatoes and cook for 20-30 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 20-30 minutes.
- Stir in the peas and chicken stock. Let it all simmer for 10 minutes more.
- Lastly, season with salt and pepper before serving.
- For a final touch, you can sprinkle ½ cup of finely chopped parsley on top.
This Peas alla Romana recipe creates a serving for 4-6 people. It takes around 1 hour to make, offering a delicious and easy-to-prepare Italian companion.
Spring Pea Salad
Spring is here with fresh produce, and a spring pea salad is a perfect way to celebrate. It’s light and nutritious, ready in no time. Plus, it brings green to your plate, signifying the season’s renewal and joy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (4 cups) of fresh or frozen peas
- 1 ½ teaspoons of Kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of finely minced yellow onion
- ¼ teaspoon of Aleppo pepper
- 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar
- 2 to 3 radishes, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup packed mint leaves
- ¼ cup chopped chives
- 2 ounces of feta or shaved parmesan
How to Prepare
- Blanch fresh peas in boiling water or thaw frozen peas.
- In a bowl, mix peas with salt, olive oil, onion, Aleppo pepper, and vinegar.
- Also add radishes, mint, and chives; mix carefully.
- Top with feta or parmesan for a great finish.
- Serve right away for the best spring flavors.
This salad looks great on your table and it’s super nutritious. It has 196.9 kcal, with 18g carbs, 8.4g protein, and 10.6g fat. For every half-cup serving of peas, you get 4g protein and 4g fiber, plus Vitamin A, folate, and magnesium. It’s both healthy and tasty for any meal.
| Nutrient | Quantity per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 196.9 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 8.4g |
| Fat | 10.6g |
| Fiber | 6.9g |
| Sugar | 6.7g |
| Calcium | Notable amounts |
| Potassium | Notable amounts |
| Vitamin C | Notable amounts |
| Iron | Notable amounts |
Choose fresh or frozen peas for this Italian-inspired dish. It’s a favorite that’s healthy and looks good. Enjoy it with other dishes for a complete and tasty meal!
Pesto Pasta with Green Peas
Enjoy the mix of flavors in our Pesto Pasta with Green Peas. It’s a standout among Italian pasta dishes. With homemade pesto’s creamy goodness and green peas’ sweetness, it’s great for any meal. This recipe shows how versatile pesto can be, winning over anyone who tries it.
Ingredients
For the pesto sauce:
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- 6 cloves of garlic
- 3-4 cups of fresh basil leaves
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
For the pasta:
- 1 pound uncooked pasta
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup pesto
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 10 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot with salt. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente.
- Blanch the frozen peas in a pot for about 3 minutes. They should be tender but still bright green.
- While the pasta and peas cook, make the pesto. Mix walnut pieces, garlic, basil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Add olive oil and blend until smooth.
- Drain the pasta and peas. Stir in the pesto until the mix is even. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Now, it’s ready to eat. Dive into the goodness of this peas pesto pasta!
- If there’s any leftover, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze for a month. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Here’s a quick guide to help with cooking:
| Recipe Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Servings | 6 |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Calories per Serving | 449 |
| Shares | 2.6K |
| Comments | 24 |
| 5-Star Reviews | 5 out of 11 |
Try this dish when peas are in season, from March to June. Using fresh peas not only tastes better but also adds nutrition. It makes the pesto pasta healthier and tastier.
Italian Green Peas Recipes
Let’s explore the world of Italian green peas recipes. They cover a wide range of ways and styles to cook. You can start with simple sautéed peas or try the more complex peas fritters. These recipes show the flexibility and great taste of green peas.
Green peas are known for fitting well into many meals. They bring out the heart of Italian cooking. You might make a traditional green pea soup or something new like green peas crostini. Every dish feels like home and brings families together.
Making Italian green pea dishes adds joy and flavor to your kitchen. Green peas are healthy, and cooking them in the Italian style is simple but classy. This makes them a great choice for any meal.
Did you know, about half of parents find it hard to feed picky eaters? And 65% of kids pick what they eat based on friends. Serving dishes like green peas risotto or green peas arancini can please even the pickiest kids. These meals are not only tasty but also nutritious.
Many people love trying new recipes, with 62% looking for them online. If you’re one of them, Italian green peas dishes are a must-try. They bring something new to your table. Plus, they mix traditional tastes with fresh and innovative ideas. It’s a great way to make cooking at home exciting.
Rich and Creamy Peas Risotto
Looking for a hearty vegetarian dish? Peas risotto is a classic choice. It mixes arborio rice with fresh peas perfectly. This creates a delicious blend that is ideal for dinner. The risotto stands out with its creamy texture.
“This peas risotto is pure comfort food, rated 4.67 out of 5 from 3 votes.”
To start, take 6 oz of peas. Blend some into a smooth purée in just 90 seconds. This purée adds color and a burst of flavor to the risotto.
Next, use 1 cup of arborio rice. This type is famous for its creamy texture. In a slow process, add 1 quart of hot chicken stock. Make sure the rice absorbs the stock before adding more. This method ensures your risotto is cooked just right.
Finally, mix in ¾ cup of grated parmesan and butter. You’ll get a rich, creamy risotto. Top it with extra parmesan, chives, pea greens, and black pepper. Then, drizzle some olive oil over it.
This dish is best right after making it. It has a score of 4.67 and takes 40 minutes to make. It’s both simple and sophisticated.
Here’s the nutritional info for each serving (344 calories):
| Carbohydrates | 42.4g |
|---|---|
| Protein | 8.7g |
| Fat | 11.7g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 396mg |
| Potassium | 230mg |
| Fiber | 1.8g |
| Sugar | 1.8g |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 0.9mg |
This dish serves 6, great for family get-togethers or quiet evenings. It takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30 to cook. This makes it an excellent option for simple yet impressive Italian rice dishes.
Delightful Green Peas Arancini
Love Italian food? Try making peas arancini. They’re crispy on the outside and full of flavor inside. These rice balls are perfect for snacking, full of Italian taste.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 5 scallions
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint
- 1 1/2 cups of peas
- 4 eggs
- 1 stick of unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of bread crumbs
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 pound of mozzarella
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Preparation Steps
- Sauté the scallions in a pan until tender.
- Mix the sautéed scallions and butter into the warm rice.
- Add fresh mint, Pecorino Romano cheese, and incorporate the egg yolks to the rice mixture.
- Set up an assembly line: scoop rice, add a few peas and mozzarella in the center, and shape into a ball.
- Roll each rice ball in flour, dip in beaten egg whites, and coat with bread crumbs.
- Chill the rice balls in the freezer before frying to ensure they stay intact.
- Heat the oil to 350°F and fry the arancini until golden brown.
When you make peas arancini at home, you’re trying your hand at a beloved Italian dish. They’re perfect for appetizers. This recipe will help you make them light and tasty.
©2014 Lee and Lou Cook
Hearty Italian Peas Soup
Italian Peas Soup is beloved for its warm and nourishing qualities. It captures the true spirit of Italian recipes. Its rich blend of flavors and nutrients makes it a go-to. A taste brings the comfort only this soup knows how to give.
Let’s dive into this soup’s nutrition:
| Serving Size | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | 518 kcal | 59g | 23g | 21g | 7g |
| 1.5 cups | 255.7 kcal | 44.9g | 15.7g | 3g | 0.3g |
This Italian peas soup is a both a tasty and filling choice. It’s perfect for when the weather is cold and you need to warm up. It ticks all the boxes for a satisfying meal that’s also nutritious.
It’s also versatile. Enjoy it with some good bread for a hearty meal. Or start a big Italian party with this soup. Its wealth of nutrients helps it shine among similar warm and nourishing dishes. Experience the pure joy of Italian soup recipes through this amazing peas soup!
Flavorful Green Peas Crostini
Green Peas Crostini kick off any Italian get-together beautifully. They combine toasted bread’s comforting crunch with the tangy kick of peas, celebrating Italian simplicity. You can make them in just 20 minutes, needing 10 for prep and another 10 to cook.
This tasty treat is not only quick but also healthy, with a decent nutrient profile. Each serving gives you 116 kcal, 9g carbs, 8g protein, and 7g fat. It also has 3g of fiber, 701 IU Vitamin A, and 29mg Vitamin C, adding value to your appetizer choice.
“The Italian canapés, featuring the delightful pairing of crispy ciabatta bread and a vibrant pea topping, are a must-try for any occasion.”
The pea topping uses frozen peas, parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and seasoning. Ciabatta bread for the base gets toasted with garlic and olive oil. This mix of peas and bread has pleased many, getting an average rating of 4.07 out of 5 from 15 reviewers.
This dish stands out with its mix of textures and flavors, providing 205 kcal per serving. It’s not only delicious, but quite nutritious too. To complete the experience, consider pairing them with Sauvignon Blanc or Austrian Grüner Veltliner, hinting at elegance.
Here’s a helpful breakdown of this recipe:
| Nutritional Info | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 116kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9g |
| Protein | 8g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 19mg |
| Sodium | 56mg |
| Potassium | 156mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 701IU |
| Vitamin C | 29mg |
| Calcium | 168mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Peas crostini are more than just tasty; they’re elegantly simple too. They’re perfect for Italian-themed parties, offering a true taste of Italy and impressing your guests.
Green Peas Fritters
Green Peas Fritters are a fun take on the classic Italian fritter. They combine the mild sweetness of peas with a crispy, golden outside. These snacks are perfect for both laid-back and fancy events. Each bite lets you experience the rich flavors of Italian food.
What You Need
- 2 cups of peas, boiled for 3-4 minutes
- 1 1/2 cups of chickpea flour
- 1 tsp of bicarbonate soda
- Chopped onions, sautéed until softened
- Minced garlic, sautéed until softened
Cooking Instructions
Start by boiling the peas for 3-4 minutes for these delicious peas fritters. Then, sauté the onions and garlic until they’re soft. Mash the peas and mix in the other ingredients. Shape this into 6-8 balls.
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees. Bake the fritters for 15-18 minutes until they’re crisp and golden. They’re great hot or cold, showing they’re a perfect Italian hand food.
The pandemic has made fresh veggies harder to find at times. Making these fritters at home is a great way to enjoy fresh peas. With this recipe, you’ll make a tasty snack that feels authentically Italian.
Sumptuous Peas Carbonara
Upgrade your Italian pasta with Sumptuous Peas Carbonara. It combines pasta, eggs, cheese, and pork with green peas. This mix adds a crunch and more taste. It’s a new twist that still honors Italy’s rich food culture.
Peas Carbonara shows how flexible Italian food can be. By adding peas, this dish caters to more dietary needs. People all over the world love the original Pasta Carbonara. And the peas just make it even better.
This dish has about 406 calories per serving. Knowing its details is good for diet watchers. It’s perfect for eating alone or with others when you make more.
Its basic ingredients come from the original recipe. You’ll need a big egg, Parmesan cheese, thick bacon, and more. Peas don’t just add taste. They make the dish look pretty, too.
Peas Carbonara can have many twists, not just peas. Some like it with shrimp or spice. Others prefer mushrooms. This shows how versatile the dish can be. It’s perfect if you love Italian food with a fresh twist.
Conclusion
This collection of Italian green peas recipes shows how lively and adaptable Italian cooking is. They let you taste Italy’s most loved flavors and enjoy a culinary journey without leaving your home. Whether you seek something light or rich, these recipes match various tastes and diet choices.
The roundup features both classics like Peas alla Romana and new twists like Peas Carbonara. The use of fresh peas and well-chosen wines transforms each recipe into an Italian feast. For example, the 2016 Abbazia di Novacella Gruner Veltliner pairs exceptionally well, enhancing the meal’s flavors.
Drawing on Italian food traditions is more than just making dishes. It’s about sharing in the joy of simple activities, like shelling peas, that connect people. Even when trying new recipes, like a twist on Julia Child’s pea dish, the experience in your kitchen is valuable. Enjoy the adventure these recipes offer and add a touch of true Italian taste to your cooking.
FAQ
What are some classic Italian green peas recipes I can try at home?
There are many classic Italian recipes with green peas. You can cook Peas alla Romana, Spring Pea Salad, or Peas Pesto Pasta. Other options include Peas Risotto, Green Peas Arancini, and Peas Carbonara.
How do I make Peas alla Romana?
For Peas alla Romana, use olive oil, onion, garlic, peas, and chicken stock. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauté onion and garlic. Then, add peas and stock, and simmer until the peas are soft.
What are the ingredients needed for Spring Pea Salad?
Spring Pea Salad needs fresh peas, olive oil, lemon juice, mint, salt, and pepper. You might also add radishes, cucumbers, or feta.
Can you provide a step-by-step guide for making Peas Pesto Pasta?
Sure, for Peas Pesto Pasta, firstly, make pesto sauce with basil, pine nuts, and more. Cook pasta and add peas near the end. Then, combine it all with the pesto sauce.
How is Peas Risotto prepared?
To make Peas Risotto, start by sautéing onions and rice in butter. Then, add broth a bit at a time until creamy. Mix in peas, cheese, and spices at the end.
What are Green Peas Arancini and how do I make them?
Green Peas Arancini are balls of rice with peas. First, stuff them with mozzarella. Then, breadcrumb and fry them.
What makes Italian Peas Soup a hearty dish?
Italian Peas Soup is hearty with peas and often ham. It’s simmered until all flavors meld, making a cozy meal.
How do you prepare Green Peas Crostini?
To make Green Peas Crostini, toast bread and top with peas mixed with mint and oil. Lemon zest adds freshness. You can also add Parmesan or ricotta.
What are Green Peas Fritters and how do I cook them?
Green Peas Fritters are a mix of peas, flour, eggs, and seasonings fried to gold. They are a tasty snack.
How does Peas Carbonara differ from traditional Carbonara?
Peas Carbonara includes green peas in the classic pasta, egg, and pancetta mix. The peas bring a new taste and texture.
What are some additional Italian green peas recipes I can explore?
Add more green pea dishes to your menu. Try Peas Soup, Peas Crostini, Fritters, and Peas Carbonara. They all show different ways to enjoy peas in Italian food.