Seriously, how long has peas’ reputation as “that thing on your plate you need to finish for any hope of dessert” been over? A really long time. Now they’re just those sweet little legumes that are well-into their season and hankering for you to braise them with ham and top them with eggs. Or toss with spaghetti. Or make into a salad. Really, anything to be invited to dinner with you. Here are 7 ideas for this humble, delicious ingredient.

• Braised Peas and Ham With Eggs
• Sugar Snap Pea Salad
• Spaghetti With Peas
• Seared Salmon With Sautéed Pea Shoots
• Texas Caviar
• Brazilian Crab And Black-Eyed Pea Acarajé
• Gnudi With Spring Vegetable Purée

More ideas for dinner on Food Republic:

• 5 Ideas For Dinner Tonight: Mayonnaise
• 8 Ideas For Dinner Tonight: Prosciutto
• 6 Ideas For Dinner Tonight: Chorizo