Winter cooking feels incomplete without fresh green peas. They go into curries, pulao, soups, kachoris, and so many comfort dishes. But shelling peas is the one task most people delay. It takes time, hurts the fingers, and feels tiring, especially when you have kilos to clean.
The good news? There’s a smart and easy trick that can save you hours. With this method, you can shell several kilos of peas in just a few minutes, without straining your hands.
Why Shelling Peas Feels So Exhausting
Shelling peas the traditional way can take 20 to 30 minutes for just one kilo. If you’re working with two or three kilos, it quickly turns into a long and painful job. This is why many people put it off or buy frozen peas instead.
But a simple temperature trick can change everything.
The Smart Trick That Makes Shelling Easy
This hack uses hot water and cold water to loosen the pea pods naturally. It has become popular on social media because it actually works and doesn’t damage the peas.
Here’s how to do it:
-
Wash the pea pods well under running water.
-
Heat about one litre of water in a pot. Do not let it boil.
-
When the water starts steaming, add the pea pods.
-
Switch off the heat and cover the pot.
-
Let the peas sit for about two minutes.
This step only softens the pods slightly. It does not cook the peas.
Cold Water Makes All the Difference
While the peas rest, prepare a bowl of very cold water. Adding ice cubes gives even better results.
Transfer the pea pods straight from the hot water into the cold water. Leave them there for one to two minutes. The sudden temperature change helps the shells loosen naturally.
You’ll notice that the pods feel much softer and easier to open.
Two Easy Ways to Remove the Peas
Once the pods are softened, shelling becomes quick and effortless.
-
Gently press one end of the pod and the peas will slide out.
-
Or, take a handful of pods between your palms and lightly rub or squeeze them. The pods split open and release the peas together.
Using this method, you can shell five kilos of peas in just five to ten minutes.
Helpful Tips for Best Results
-
Do not boil the water, or the peas may start cooking.
-
Do not soak the pods in hot water for too long.
-
The colder the second bowl of water, the easier the shelling.
Follow these tips and your peas will stay fresh, firm, and perfect for cooking or freezing.
With this simple hack, shelling peas no longer has to be a painful or time-consuming task. It’s fast, gentle on your hands, and perfect for busy winter kitchens.
