This is the easiest ever recipe for salted grilled peas in the pod! Eat them like edamame for a sweet, healthy, delicious, gluten free and vegan snack!
Last year I discovered this insanely addictive, quick and easy way to enjoy peas fresh from my garden. I spent so many years thinking they needed to be shucked, blanched, and then used in recipes. It never crossed my mind that peas could be eaten fresh from the pod just like edamame at a Japanese restaurant. Ever since giving this method a try, I’ve been totally hooked.
Fresh peas have a very short window for sweetness. When left on the vine a too long, all of their sugar converts into starch. It’s basically the opposite of what happens to fruits left on the counter to ripen. If you don’t grow your own peas, but would like to make this recipe with peas from the market, be sure to ask the farmer if you can try before you buy. If they don’t taste good raw, skip ’em.
A few beers on the back deck with a big bowl of grilled peas = the ultimate summer snack.
For a more indulgent recipe using peas, try my Sweet Pea Gnocchi or Linguini Carbonara with Peas.
- 2 lbs fresh peas in the pod, cleaned and dried
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- flaky sea salt for finishing (I like Maldon)
- Toss the peas with the olive oil, salt and pepper until coated. Preheat a grill until very hot, and use a perforated pan or tray to prevent the peas from falling through the grates.
- Spread the peas out so they each touch the grill, give them a toss, and close the grill and let cook for about 2 minutes. Open the grill, toss again, and continue cooking until they are nice and charred on the outside.
- Remove from the grill, place in a serving bowl, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to finish. Serve immediately.
- To eat, remove the peas from the pod with your teeth, as if you're eating edamame from a Japanese restaurant.
Nicole Gaffney, aka Coley, is a professionally trained chef, recipe developer, tv host and food writer.
OMG There is a restaurant down here in Delray that did this before and it was one of the most incredible things I have ever tasted. It’s such a great idea!
I know! When I first saw it, I was like how did I not ever think of this before?!