How to freeze green peas | How to make frozen peas at home

It all started 2 years back when I got a pack of store-bought frozen peas. One whiff after opening the packet and it went straight to the bin. There was an undescribable awkward smell coming out of the pack which I couldn't stand at all and that was the end of my frozen-product-shopping. Not that I buy lots of frozen products. I once bought a chicken salami to have on our morning sandwiches but the high sodium content put me off and I have never tried frozen products since then, the frozen peas being the only exception.

After that incident, I have been looking forward to the green peas season and when it comes I stock my pantry with kgs of peas. And then its peas season for us. I pair it with aloo or gobi or make peas masala for rotis, simple yet flavor and nutrition packed recipes. I put them in tupperware boxes and freeze them but they dont last for more than two weeks, they sprout and then it had to be used. That is when I started browsing for recipes on how to store peas and then I came across this method of blanching and storing. Its simple and she said she stores upto 8 kgs of peas this way. Sounded quite catchy and so I followed her recipe. I did this when the peas season was in full bloom, when they were so cheap, sometime in January and I still have nearly 2 kgs of peas safe and sound in my freezer. The above pic was taken on the day of blanching and storing and the others recently. They shrink but don't be worried, thats how they are. I know this post is late for the peas season but do take a note and try it next year.
Oh and I had to mention, how my kid helped me with the de-seeding from the pods. He enjoyed it totally and you could see him sitting in middle of the pods, fully covered with pea-skins whenever I sat with my haul of the day. And so it makes a great kids-activity too :P

~*What U Need*~ Green Peas - 1/2 kg Ziplock pouches

How I Made it:
Remove the peas from the pod, rinse and set aside. Boil water in a big pan until it comes to a rolling boil. Add the peas to the water. Initially it will sink to the bottom.

After 2 mins it will start floating to the top. Remove the peas immediately with a slotted spoon. Allow to dry in a clean towel till there is no moisture. Store it in a ziplock bag. fFreeze it. Whenever needed take the required amount and thaw it. Use as desired.

How to thaw frozen peas:
Take the desired amount of frozen peas, soak it in room temperature water and use after it comes to room temperature. Rinse before using.

Homemade frozen peas ready to be stored.

** My Notes:
** The above method is known as blanching. This way it gives more shelf life.
** Remove the peas as soon as they move to the top. Donot overcook.
** You can easily double the recipe and make larger batches.

So thats it Folks...
With Love,

Signs off!!!