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Macho Pea Recipe
Master how to make Nando's-style macho peas at home with this quick and easy recipe. The perfect blend of creamy peas, fresh herbs, and chili creates a vibrant side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a flavorful vegetarian option.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 450g frozen peas
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried chili flakes)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step 1
Cook the frozen peas according to package instructions until just tender (usually 3-4 minutes in boiling water). Drain well and set aside about one-third of the peas.Step 2
Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened but not browned, stirring occasionally.Step 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped chili to the onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.Step 4
Take two-thirds of the cooked peas and blend them in a food processor or with an immersion blender until roughly mashed - you want to maintain some texture, not create a smooth puree.Step 5
Return the mashed peas to the pan with the onion mixture and add the dried thyme and smoked paprika. Stir well to combine and cook for 2 minutes.Step 6
Add the reserved whole peas to the mixture and stir gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.Step 7
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, and mint. Mix well and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.Step 8
Let the mixture sit for 1-2 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The texture should be chunky but slightly creamy. Serve hot as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or other protein of your choice.
How can I make my mashed peas more flavourful?
For more flavourful mashed peas, enhance with aromatics like garlic and onions, add herbs such as mint and parsley, incorporate butter for richness, and finish with a splash of lemon juice. Smoked paprika adds depth, while chilli provides a gentle heat kick.
What's the best way to achieve the perfect pea texture in this dish?
To achieve the ideal texture, cook peas until just tender (3-4 minutes), then blend only two-thirds of them for a chunky yet creamy consistency. Keep the remaining third whole for textural contrast. Avoid over-processing to prevent a soupy purée.
Can frozen peas be substituted with fresh peas in this recipe?
Yes, fresh peas work beautifully in this recipe. They'll need slightly longer cooking (4-5 minutes) until tender. Fresh peas offer a sweeter flavour and vibrant colour, but frozen peas are consistently good year-round and require no podding.
What proteins pair well with smashed peas?
Smashed peas pair excellently with grilled or roasted chicken, pan-seared fish (especially cod or salmon), lamb chops, or a simple steak. For vegetarian options, try serving with halloumi, poached eggs, or alongside other roasted vegetables on toast.
How can I make this dish vegan while maintaining its creamy texture?
Replace butter with extra virgin olive oil or plant-based spread. The olive oil already in the recipe provides richness, and the natural starchiness of partially mashed peas creates creaminess without dairy. You could also add a splash of coconut cream for extra indulgence.