Signature

Featured

Nando's

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

10 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serve

Kcal

180

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">450g frozen peas</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp olive oil</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 medium onion, finely chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 red chili, deseeded and finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried chili flakes)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried thyme</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp butter</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Add the reserved whole peas to the mixture and stir gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> 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.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> 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.</li></ol>

FAQ for

Macho Pea Recipe

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.

The calorie count is an approximation and can vary based on exact measurements and specific ingredients used. Always consult nutritional information if strict adherence to calorie counts is required. This recipe is inspired by the flavours of this restaurant's dishes and has been independently developed for home cooking. It is not an exact match to the proprietary recipe used by the restaurant. This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the restaurant.

✨Try GrittyChef

Love This Recipe?
Create Your Own in 10 Seconds

Get unlimited personalized recipes tailored to your exact preferences with GrittyChef.

Create My Recipe→

✓8,400+ users

✓Cancel anytime

✓$7/month

156 creating now

⭐ PREMIUM

Personal Recipe Generator

Create delicious recipes instantly

🔥Popular Recipes

🍔 Cheeseburger

🍕 Pizza

🥓 Burrito

What would you like to make?

Customize Your Recipe

Select your cooking preferences

🔥 Cooking Method

Grilling

Baking

Frying

Steaming

🌶️ Spice Level

Mild

Medium

Hot

🥗 Dietary Preference

Keto

Vegan

Paleo

👥 Servings:

GrittyChef is Cooking...

Creating your perfect recipe ✨

👨‍🍳

Chef's Kiss!

Your recipe is ready

Get ready to cook something delicious

👨‍🍳 GrittyChef AI Chef

🍔 Classic Cheeseburger

⏱️ 20 mins

👥 4 servings

🔥 Hot

🛒Ingredients

✓1.5 lbs ground beef
✓4 burger buns
✓4 cheddar slices
✓Lettuce, tomato

👨‍🍳Instructions

{
  "@context": "http://schema.org/",
  "@type": "Recipe",
  "name": "Gritty Chef Smashed Minted Peas Recipe",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "Peter Martin",
    "brand": "Once a Chef",
    "jobTitle": "Chef",
"image": "https://cdn.leonardo.ai/users/4a58fbf3-54bf-417d-a8aa-9bdd9b72d9ff/generations/9af30c4e-fcbd-43d9-88f2-95d879c7079f/Phoenix_10_Image_Description_A_vibrant_bowl_of_Nandosstyle_mac_0.jpg"
  },
  "datePublished": "2024-05-21",
  "description": "A vibrant, aromatic side dish of chunky smashed peas with fresh herbs, chili and smoky paprika that pairs perfectly with grilled meats or fish.",
  "prepTime": "PT10M",
  "cookTime": "PT15M",
  "totalTime": "PT25M",
  "keywords": "smashed peas, minted peas, herb peas, spicy pea side dish, vegetable side dish",
  "recipeYield": "4",
  "recipeCategory": "Side Dish",
  "recipeCuisine": "British",
  "nutrition": {
    "@type": "NutritionInformation",
    "calories": "182 calories",
    "carbohydrateContent": "15 g",
    "proteinContent": "5 g",
    "fatContent": "12 g",
    "saturatedFatContent": "3 g",
    "cholesterolContent": "8 mg",
    "sodiumContent": "95 mg",
    "sugarContent": "5 g",
    "servingSize": "1 serving"
  },
  "recipeIngredient": [
    "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"
  ],
  "recipeInstructions": [
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Cook peas",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Sauté onions",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add aromatics",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Mash peas",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Combine and season",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Add whole peas",
      "text": "Add the reserved whole peas to the mixture and stir gently. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Finish with herbs",
      "text": "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."
    },
    {
      "@type": "HowToStep",
      "name": "Rest and serve",
      "text": "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."
    }
  ],
  "aggregateRating": {
    "@type": "AggregateRating",
    "ratingValue": "5",
    "ratingCount": "78"
  },
  "review": [
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Olivia Chen",
      "datePublished": "2024-05-10",
      "reviewBody": "These smashed peas are incredible! The combination of mint, chili and smoked paprika gives them such a complex flavor profile. I served them with grilled salmon and it was the perfect match.",
      "name": "Flavorful Side Dish",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Sven Johansson",
      "datePublished": "2024-05-05",
      "reviewBody": "I've made pea puree many times but the technique of keeping some peas whole makes such a difference in texture. The herbs really elevate this dish to something special.",
      "name": "Great Texture and Flavor",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Priya Patel",
      "datePublished": "2024-05-12",
      "reviewBody": "The red chili adds just the right amount of heat to balance the sweetness of the peas. My family loved this as an alternative to regular vegetable sides. Will definitely make again!",
      "name": "Perfect Balance of Flavors",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Miguel Fernandez",
      "datePublished": "2024-05-15",
      "reviewBody": "This recipe transforms humble frozen peas into something restaurant-worthy. The smoked paprika is a genius addition that gives them a wonderful depth. I'll never serve plain peas again!",
      "name": "Restaurant Quality Side",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Review",
      "author": "Amara Okonkwo",
      "datePublished": "2024-05-18",
      "reviewBody": "I made these for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe! The fresh herbs make all the difference. So easy to prepare but looks and tastes impressive - definitely a keeper.",
      "name": "Impressive Yet Simple",
      "reviewRating": {
        "@type": "Rating",
        "ratingValue": "5"
      }
    }
  ],
  "url": "https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/smashed-minted-peas-recipe"
}


{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "FAQPage",
  "mainEntity": [
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How can I make my mashed peas more flavourful?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "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."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What's the best way to achieve the perfect pea texture in this dish?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "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."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "Can frozen peas be substituted with fresh peas in this recipe?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "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."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "What proteins pair well with smashed peas?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "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."
      }
    },
    {
      "@type": "Question",
      "name": "How can I make this dish vegan while maintaining its creamy texture?",
      "acceptedAnswer": {
        "@type": "Answer",
        "text": "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."
      }
    }
  ]
}

Nando's

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

Ingredients

Directions

How can I make my mashed peas more flavourful?

What's the best way to achieve the perfect pea texture in this dish?

Can frozen peas be substituted with fresh peas in this recipe?

What proteins pair well with smashed peas?

How can I make this dish vegan while maintaining its creamy texture?

Love This Recipe?Create Your Own in 10 Seconds

Personal Recipe Generator

Customize Your Recipe

GrittyChef is Cooking...

Chef's Kiss!

🍔 Classic Cheeseburger

🛒Ingredients

👨‍🍳Instructions

Love This Recipe?
Create Your Own in 10 Seconds