Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, this dish can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of sweet peas, zesty green onions, and cool mint creates a refreshing taste that’s both light and satisfying.
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Nutritious: Peas are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 (16-ounce) package frozen peas
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1 bunch green onions, chopped
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1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 tablespoons brown sugar
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the frozen peas, chopped green onions, and chopped mint leaves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the peas are hot and tender but still bright green, approximately 7 to 10 minutes.
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Mash the Peas: Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl. Using a masher or the back of a fork, mash until the peas are crushed but still slightly chunky.
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Add Seasonings: Incorporate the unsalted butter and brown sugar into the mashed peas. Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve: Serve warm as a side dish to your main course.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: This recipe yields 6 servings.
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Preparation Time: Approximately 5 minutes.
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Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
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Total Time: About 15 minutes.
Variations
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Creamy Mashed Peas: For a creamier texture, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream during the mashing process.
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Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs such as basil, parsley, or tarragon to customize the flavor profile.
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy version of mashed peas.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Allow the mashed peas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the mashed peas in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
FAQs
What can I serve mashed peas with?
Mashed peas pair well with a variety of main dishes, including grilled fish, roasted chicken, lamb, or even as a spread on toast.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender before proceeding with the recipe.
How can I make this dish vegan?
To make the recipe vegan, substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter or additional olive oil.
Can I freeze mashed peas?
Yes, mashed peas can be frozen. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other seasonings can I add?
Feel free to add garlic, lemon zest, or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor.
Are mashed peas the same as mushy peas?
While similar, mushy peas are a traditional British dish made with marrowfat peas, resulting in a different texture and flavor compared to mashed peas made with green peas.
Can I omit the brown sugar?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce or omit the brown sugar.
How do I achieve a smoother consistency?
For a smoother texture, use a food processor or blender to puree the peas to your desired consistency.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this mashed peas recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare mashed peas ahead of time and reheat them just before serving.
Conclusion
Mashed peas are a simple yet flavorful side dish that adds a touch of freshness to any meal. With their quick preparation and versatile nature, they are a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.
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Mashed Peas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Mashed peas are a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful side dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. This easy recipe combines tender peas, aromatic green onions, and refreshing mint for a light yet comforting dish. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a quick, nutritious addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (16-ounce) package frozen peas
- 1 bunch green onions, chopped
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Sauté the Peas & Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add frozen peas, green onions, and mint leaves.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 7-10 minutes until the peas are hot and tender but still bright green.
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Mash the Peas:
- Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl.
- Using a masher or fork, mash until the peas are crushed but still slightly chunky.
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Enhance the Flavor:
- Stir in unsalted butter and brown sugar, allowing them to melt and blend.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Notes
- Creamier Texture: Add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer consistency.
- Herbal Twist: Experiment with basil, parsley, or tarragon to customize the flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American