Peas - dare I serve this as a starter?

Primrose

I've got some deliciously sweet peas growing in the garden and was wondering whether I dared serve them, just as they are in their shells, in individual bowls as a starter for a supper evening with friends, so that they could just shuck them and eat them fresh? What would be your reaction if you were served this as a starter? Honest reactions please. I'm trying to think of something to go along with them but can't think of anything imaginative. Any ideas?

balmaiden

Mmmm, much as I love fresh peas straight from the pod, I am not sure that I would like them as a starter. I think I would prefer to have them offered as "nibbles" with a drink.

zippychick

Hi Primrose

I would (you asked for honest, right?) think it was a bit lacking.... I would appreciate the fact you grew them and nurtured them because I am growing stuff myself. However, not everyone will have the same appreciation.

Pea risotto? Sprinkled on a salad? Or as a side to a starter in the pod- with a little ribbon or label on them saying you grew them from your garden, and wanted everyone to try them out:j:D Not everyone "gets" os or grow your own :mad::D

Definitely share, but i personally wouldn't serve them as a starter on their own

I'll move/merge this later once you have more opinions.

Zip

Paulie'sGirl

Hi,

I think it depends on your guests, you know them better than us.

I'd personally be delighted, as would OH. Also, it depends on the quantity you have. You could perhaps serve them with a peashoot salad underneath to bulk them up?

Be brave, its a very cool idea

PGxx

floyd

How about a small bowl of something like this? http://annies-eats.com/2010/06/08/fettuccine-with-peas-asparagus-and-pancetta/

I made this with fresh broad beans a week or so ago and it was delicious

Claire_Bear

I would love it personally but I like that kind of thing, I suppose it depends on your guests though, are they expecting a fancy dinner party or a simple supper and a gossip? As others have suggested maybe put them in a simple salad or serve them to snack on after a starter while you're plating up the main course or finishing it off?

seraphina

Don't pod them, but steam/boil them very briefly in their pods and serve them either with melted butter or a dressing. You pick up a steaming pod, dip it in the dressing and suck the peas out:D

Depending on how many you have it may be more of a drinks/nibbles thing, otherwise you could steam them briefly and mash them up roughly with some spring onion, mint and wasabi paste, and serve on ciabatta slices?

Aril

If you cooked them first I reckon that you could blitz them with a bit of mint sauce and creme fraiche and then serve them as a dip to go with tortilla chips or hm jacket chips.
Aril

ubamother

I would serve them - perhaps with a variety of dips, oils etc. Pizzazz is all here!

meritaten

while I would love unpodded peas in bowls to nibble on, I personally wouldnt serve them as a starter. not even for an informal meal. sorrryyyyy, but you did ask!!
you could however stir fry them with a little ginger, soy sauce and garlic. especially in their pods. bet that would taste wonderful.
or - why not blanch and freeze them? keep them for yourself!!!!

marmalize

a simple salad of feta, panchetta(crispy streaky bacon) and salad leaves with the boiled whole pods scattered over for your guests to pop open....dressing of your choice...