How To Make Frozen Peas At Home

Hi Friends!

Today I am sharing another important technique used in the kitchen for long term storage- ‘freezing’. In the current fast moving world we tend to use many frozen products as they work out handy. 

Freezing helps us store the seasonal vegetables for a longer time, and one of the most commonly used  frozen vegetable  is Peas. The peas prepared this way can be stored in the freezer for a year or more.

My Mom has been making frozen peas for the past 30-35years, and now I am too following her foot steps, and make them every winter, when one gets fresh, good quality peas easily and at an economical price.

When made at home- we can ensure buying the best quality peas (can buy organic too), which can be cleaned properly to make them free of any insect infestation or dirt. 

The process is quite simple!

Ingredients

Peas shelled (washed a few times to remove any dirt or insects)

4-5 litres water/pan

2tbsp Salt

1tbsp Sugar

large pans

Thick towel

Clean zip lock bags

slotted ladle

Ice- as required

Method

Take a pan and add water, salt and sugar (salt and sugar help enhance the flavour). Once the water comes to a roaring boil, add the shelled peas (do this in batches, I made about 8kgs).

Meanwhile, in another large container/pan take lots of ice and mix it with water to make ice cold water.

Once the peas get blanched they start moving to the top and float on the water surface, remove them with the help of a slotted spoon and immerse them immediately in ice cold water.

This technique is called ‘shocking’. It immediately stops the cooking process, and it also helps to retain the green colour on the peas (I missed out taking a picture for this step).

Remove the cold peas, spread them on  a thick, clean towel, and allow them to cool, and get rid of the excess water that’s coating them.

Once cooled and dry, fill them in washed and dried zip lock bags and place them in the freezer. The zip lock bags can be labelled with the date too.

Once frozen they can be used as required. To use, remove the frozen peas and immerse them in room temperature water.