Pea shoot microgreens have a fresh, crisp, and sweet flavour, with subtle notes of peas and a slight hint of grassiness. Their texture is tender yet crunchy, and their mild sweetness makes them versatile for pairing with a wide range of dishes. Here are some delicious pairings and uses for pea shoot microgreens:
1. Salads
Pea shoot microgreens are perfect for adding a light, sweet crunch to salads. They pair well with other greens like spinach, arugula, and mixed lettuces. Their delicate flavour complements both creamy ingredients like avocado and tangy elements like citrus, making them an ideal addition to green salads or grain-based salads (e.g., quinoa or farro).
2. Sandwiches and Wraps
Pea shoots are fantastic in sandwiches or wraps, adding a fresh, crispy texture and a mild sweetness. They work wonderfully with fillings like avocado, turkey, chicken, smoked salmon, or hummus. They can also be paired with soft cheeses like goat cheese or cream cheese, or with sharp cheeses like cheddar for a nice contrast in flavour.
3. Egg Dishes
Their mild sweetness and crisp texture make pea shoots a perfect addition to scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, or poached eggs. They can be stirred into eggs while cooking, or added fresh as a garnish. They also complement egg dishes with ingredients like cheese, smoked salmon, or herbs.
4. Soups
Pea shoots are great in light, brothy soups as a garnish. They add freshness and sweetness, which pairs well with vegetable, chicken, or miso-based soups. For example, they are a delicious addition to pea soup, leek and potato soup, or chicken broth-based soups.
5. Grain Bowls
Add pea shoots to grain bowls like those with quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Their sweetness complements roasted or sautéed vegetables, avocado, grains, and beans, providing a refreshing contrast. A light lemony or mustard-based dressing can elevate the flavor combination.
6. Smoothies
Pea shoots can be blended into smoothies for a nutrient-packed addition. Their sweetness makes them an excellent complement to fruits like mango, pineapple, or berries. They also work well in green smoothies when combined with other greens like spinach or kale, giving a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
7. Cheese Plates
Pea shoot microgreens pair nicely with a variety of cheeses. They go especially well with goat cheese, cream cheese, brie, or even cheddar. Their mild sweetness and crisp texture provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheeses. You can also serve them as part of a charcuterie board or a cheese platter.
8. Tacos and Wraps
Use pea shoots as a topping for tacos, especially those filled with fish, grilled chicken, or vegetables. Their sweetness and freshness provide a nice contrast to spiced fillings and creamy toppings like guacamole or sour cream. They also work well in wraps, especially with avocado, grilled vegetables, or lean proteins.
9. Sushi and Poke Bowls
Pea shoot microgreens are a great topping for sushi rolls, poke bowls, or sashimi. Their fresh, sweet flavour enhances the delicate taste of fish, and they pair particularly well with salmon, tuna, or yellowtail. They also work well with avocado, seaweed, and cucumber in these dishes.
10. Roasted Vegetables
The subtle sweetness of pea shoots contrasts beautifully with the caramelized, earthy flavors of roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, and squash. Add them on top of roasted vegetables just before serving, or incorporate them into vegetable salads for an extra burst of freshness.
11. Pasta
Pea shoots are a wonderful garnish for pasta dishes, especially those with a light, olive oil-based sauce. They work well with pasta primavera, pesto pasta, or dishes that feature mushrooms, lemon, and parmesan. The sweetness of pea shoots balances the richness of pasta and adds texture.
12. Pizza
Pea shoots are a fantastic topping for pizza, especially when added fresh after baking. Their crisp texture and mild sweetness work well with pizzas topped with goat cheese, mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula, or roasted vegetables. You can also pair them with a lemony ricotta or pesto base for added freshness.
13. Grilled Meats
The mild sweetness of pea shoots pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork. They can be used as a garnish or added to a salad or wrap featuring grilled meats. Their freshness helps cut through the richness and adds a light, herbal note to the dish.
14. Dips and Dressings
Incorporate pea shoots into creamy dips like guacamole, hummus, or yogurt-based dips. You can also blend them into pesto or dressings, adding a refreshing element to a mustard-based or lemon vinaigrette.