Mashed Peas are pure, simple comfort in a bowl—a vibrant green side dish that’s as at home at a fancy dinner as it is paired with weeknight favorites. Tender, sweet green peas are blended with a touch of butter, a hint of garlic, zesty lemon, and refreshing mint, creating a dish that’s brimming with freshness and color. This classic British-inspired favorite is a game-changer for your vegetable routine, and comes together in just ten minutes. Whether you’re searching for a quick new side or a bright spread for toast, you simply have to try these delightful Mashed Peas.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Mashed Peas is how a handful of vibrant, easy-to-find ingredients come together to create a dish that’s so much more than the sum of its parts. Each addition brings its own special touch, from creaminess to zing—so don’t skip them!
- Frozen green peas: The backbone of Mashed Peas—they bring sweetness, color, and a lush texture. Use fresh if you have them in season!
- Unsalted butter: Adds a creamy richness that helps the peas mash perfectly and elevates their flavor.
- Olive oil: Gives a smooth, glossy finish, and balances the butter with a subtle earthiness.
- Garlic: Just a touch, freshly minced, makes a world of difference and infuses the peas with savory depth.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the dish and brings out the natural sweetness of the peas.
- Chopped fresh mint (optional): If you love a pop of freshness, mint is a wonderful classic pairing with peas.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life—taste and adjust!
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and a touch of complexity.
How to Make Mashed Peas
Step 1: Boil the Peas
Start by bringing a medium saucepan of water to a rolling boil. Add your frozen green peas and let them cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until they become bright green and tender. Be careful not to overcook—you want them to keep their lovely color and slight pop.
Step 2: Drain and Prep
Quickly drain the cooked peas and transfer them immediately to a food processor. This locks in their color and prevents them from going mushy. If you prefer a chunkier mash, you can also use a sturdy fork or potato masher for the next step.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
To the warm peas, add your unsalted butter and olive oil—both will melt beautifully from the heat of the peas. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and the optional mint for a burst of brightness. Finally, finish with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 4: Blend to Perfection
Pulse the mixture in the food processor until your Mashed Peas reach your desired texture. For a rustic feel, leave some small chunks; for a smoother, spreadable mash, blend a little longer. Taste and adjust salt, lemon juice, or mint until it’s perfect for you.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the warm Mashed Peas into a serving bowl. Garnish as you like, and serve immediately alongside your favorite main dishes, over toast, or even swirled onto a plate as a bright base for roasted vegetables.
How to Serve Mashed Peas
Garnishes
Top your Mashed Peas with an extra sprinkle of chopped mint, a whole pea or two for color, or a drizzle of good olive oil. A few grinds of black pepper make everything pop, or try a scattering of crumbled feta for a salty twist.
Side Dishes
Mashed Peas play beautifully with both classic and creative sides. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a crispy potato dish. They’re also delicious with vegetarian mains like mushroom wellington or as a cheerful addition to a brunch spread with eggs.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn those Mashed Peas into an appetizer by spreading them on crostini, layering in sandwiches, or swirling onto plates beneath seared scallops or lamb chops. Use a piping bag for a fancy presentation or let kids scoop onto colorful plates—fun for everyone!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Mashed Peas (lucky you!), let them cool to room temperature before spooning into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavor deepens a bit overnight, making them just as tasty the next day.
Freezing
Mashed Peas freeze surprisingly well! Portion them into small containers or freezer bags, smoothing out the top to minimize air. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. Add a splash of water, a tiny knob of butter, or a spoon of cream to revive the texture if needed. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely—fresh peas are a treat and will make your Mashed Peas even sweeter! Just adjust the cooking time, simmering them for about 4 to 5 minutes or until tender.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan version?
Yes! Swap the butter with extra olive oil or a vegan butter substitute, and your Mashed Peas will still be rich and satisfying without any dairy.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No problem at all. Use a potato masher or even a fork to mash the peas by hand. The consistency will be chunkier but just as tasty and rustic.
Can I make Mashed Peas creamy?
Definitely! For extra creaminess, blend in a tablespoon of cream, crème fraîche, or Greek yogurt before processing. It’ll give your Mashed Peas a luscious, velvety finish.
How do I use up leftover Mashed Peas?
Leftovers are fantastic as a filling for omelets, a base for grain bowls, spread on sandwiches, or swirled into soups for a pop of color and flavor. Get creative!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a cheerful, colorful spark to your table, give Mashed Peas a try. They’re endlessly versatile, so easy to make, and truly crowd-pleasing—let this cozy side dish become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Mashed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Enjoy the delightful taste of Mashed Peas, a simple and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Made with green peas, butter, garlic, and a hint of lemon, this dish is a refreshing addition to your table.
Ingredients
Frozen Green Peas:
2 cups
Unsalted Butter:
1 tablespoon
Olive Oil:
1 tablespoon
Garlic Clove (minced):
1 small
Fresh Lemon Juice:
1 tablespoon
Fresh Mint (optional):
1 tablespoon chopped
Salt:
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/8 teaspoon
Instructions
- Boil Peas: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Process Peas: Drain and transfer the peas to a food processor. Add butter, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, mint (optional), salt, and pepper.
- Blend: Pulse until the peas are mostly smooth but slightly chunky. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or spread.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream or Greek yogurt while blending.
- Fresh peas can be used when in season—just cook slightly longer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
