6 Pea Recipes

They may be tiny, but these little green gems pack a big nutritional punch. Here are six ways to dish 'em up!

1 Pea-camole Mash 1 cup peas with half an avocado. Fold in 1 seeded, chopped tomato, 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 crushed garlic clove. Season with salt and pepper.

2 Little Dumplins Combine 1 cup peas, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 garlic clove, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the middle of wonton wrappers. Fold and pinch the edges together to form triangles. Bake in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until golden.

3 Smoke Signals Crisp 1/4 cup chopped bacon, ham, or prosciutto in a nonstick pan with 1 small chopped yellow onion. Add 2 cups peas, salt, and pepper, and stir gently until warmed through.

4 Mmm…Mint! Combine 2 cups peas, 1/4 cup chopped mint, and 1/4 cup feta-cheese crumbles. Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

5 Pesto, Please Combine 1 cup peas, 1/4 cup slivered almonds, 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 Tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until pureed. Serve pesto on garlic bread, as a sandwich spread, or tossed together with pasta.

6 Pea Patties Pulse 2 cups peas, 1/2 small onion, 1 Tbsp plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp salt in a food processor until combined but not completely smooth. Stir in 1 tsp all-purpose flour, 1 egg, and 1 cup plain bread crumbs. Chill mixture for 1 hour. Form into patties and fry in a few tablespoons of heated canola oil 3 minutes on each side. Drain patties on paper towels before serving.

Plus, Try This Picky-Eater Pleaser: Puree peas, then blend them into your child's favorite soup or dip.