Oh, the humble pea! In the Netherlands, it’s not just a vibrant green orb; it’s an invitation to a delightful adventure. Imagine yourself strolling through sun-drenched fields on a charming Dutch farm, the air fresh and crisp. Forget about supermarket shelves – here, the real magic happens as you pick your very own peas straight from the pod!
There’s something incredibly satisfying, almost meditative, about hunting for the plumpest, juiciest pea pods. Your mission, should you choose to accept it (and you absolutely should!), is to fill your basket with these little green treasures. It’s a sensory feast: the gentle rustle of the pea plants, the satisfying ‘pop’ as you pry open a pod to reveal its perfectly formed occupants, and that first sweet, earthy taste of a raw pea, straight from nature’s pantry. Pure bliss!
It’s an outing perfect for everyone. Kids absolutely adore the treasure hunt aspect, discovering where their food truly comes from and perhaps snacking on more than a few ‘samples’ along the way. Friends can turn it into a friendly competition for who can find the biggest pod, and families can enjoy a peaceful afternoon connecting with the earth and each other. You’ll leave with rosy cheeks, a basket overflowing with goodness, and a heart full of happy memories – plus, of course, enough peas to fuel a feast!
Bringing Your Bounty Home
Once you’ve returned home, triumphant with your verdant haul, the real fun continues! Freshly picked peas are incredibly versatile and burst with a sweetness you just can’t get from frozen varieties. Snack on them raw, pop them into salads for a burst of freshness, or transform them into dishes that sing with spring. If you’ve picked more than you can possibly eat in one go (a delightful problem to have!), simply blanch them quickly in boiling water, plunge into an ice bath, and then freeze them to enjoy that sunny pea sweetness all year round.
Here are a couple of ways to let your hand-picked peas shine in the kitchen:
1. Creamy Pea & Mint Risotto: A Taste of Spring
This dish is like a hug in a bowl, with the fresh peas and zingy mint cutting through the richness of the risotto.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 250g Arborio rice
- 150ml dry white wine
- 750ml hot vegetable stock
- 300g fresh peas (shelled)
- Handful of fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the Arborio rice and cook for 2 minutes, ensuring all grains are coated in oil.
- Pour in the white wine and stir continuously until it has been completely absorbed by the rice.
- Begin adding the hot vegetable stock, one ladleful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is absorbed before adding the next. This process should take about 18-20 minutes, until the rice is creamy and al dente.
- In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in your fresh peas.
- Once the risotto is cooked, remove from heat. Stir in the chopped mint, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few whole mint leaves for garnish. Utterly delicious!
2. Vibrant Pea & Feta Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A Zesty Side
This refreshing salad is a celebration of fresh flavours – perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients:
- 400g fresh peas (shelled)
- 100g crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 red onion, very thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1.5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shelled peas and cook for just 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain immediately and plunge into an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve their vibrant colour. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled peas, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and chopped dill or parsley.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together all the vinaigrette ingredients until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for a short while to allow the flavours to meld. A simple, stunning way to enjoy your fresh harvest!
The Greenest Tipple: Spring Pea Gin Smash
Yes, even in cocktails, your fresh peas can surprise and delight! This refreshing gin smash is surprisingly delicious, offering a subtle sweetness and verdant freshness.
Ingredients:
- 6-8 fresh pea pods (about 15-20 shelled peas), plus an extra pod for garnish
- 45ml gin (a floral or herbaceous gin works wonderfully)
- 20ml fresh lemon juice
- 15ml simple syrup (or elderflower liqueur for an added floral note)
- A few fresh mint leaves (optional, but highly recommended)
- Soda water, to top
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a sturdy cocktail shaker, add the shelled peas and mint leaves (if using). Muddle gently but firmly to release the juices from the peas and the oils from the mint.
- Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup (or elderflower liqueur) to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds until well chilled.
- Strain the mixture into an ice-filled highball or rocks glass. You might want to double strain through a fine-mesh sieve to catch any small pea bits.
- Top with soda water.
- Garnish with a fresh pea pod or a lemon slice and a sprig of mint. Sip and let the refreshing taste of spring wash over you!
So, next time you’re dreaming of a unique outing in the Dutch countryside, consider a pea-picking adventure. It’s a lovely way to connect with nature, enjoy some wholesome family fun, and bring home a bounty of deliciousness that will inspire your culinary creativity. Happy picking, and bon appétit!