Mushy Peas
A quintessential British and Irish side dish, these mushy peas are simple to make using frozen peas. They are creamy, vibrant, and lightly flavored with butter and fresh mint, making them the perfect accompaniment to classic fish and chips or a hearty pie.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan
- a.Add 1 tsp of salt, then add the frozen peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are very tender and bright green.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Drain the peas thoroughly in a colander, reserving about 1/4 cup of the hot cooking water for later.
- 3
Return the hot, drained peas to the saucepan
- a.Add the unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh mint, 1/2 tsp salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- 4
Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the peas to your desired consistency
- a.For a rustic, chunky texture, mash lightly. For a smoother purée, mash more vigorously.
- 5
Step 5
- a.If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved cooking water (or the optional heavy cream) until you reach a creamy consistency. Stir in the optional lemon juice for brightness.
- 6
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if necessary
- a.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an extra vibrant green color, blanch the peas for 2 minutes, then shock them in an ice bath before proceeding. This helps lock in the color.
- 2Don't over-boil the peas, as they can lose their sweetness and turn a dull olive-green color.
- 3For an ultra-smooth, restaurant-style purée, use an immersion blender or a food processor instead of a masher.
- 4Mushy peas are best served immediately but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a splash of oat milk or the reserved cooking water instead of heavy cream.
Garlic & OnionGarlic & Onion
For a deeper flavor, sauté 1 finely chopped shallot or 1 minced garlic clove in the butter for 1-2 minutes before adding the drained peas back to the pot.
HerbyHerby
Experiment with other soft herbs. A little fresh parsley or chives can be a delicious alternative or addition to the mint.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
Peas are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health. Fiber helps maintain bowel regularity and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management.
Good Source of Plant-Based Protein
For a vegetable, peas are surprisingly high in protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscle, and is a key component of a balanced diet.
Packed with Vitamins
Peas provide significant amounts of essential vitamins, particularly Vitamin K, which is vital for blood clotting and bone health, and Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately 130-150 calories, depending on whether you include the optional heavy cream.