SCHEMA||{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Recipe","name":"Gritty Chef Smashed Minted Peas Recipe","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Peter Martin","jobTitle":"Chef","url":"https://www.grittychef.com"},"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,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1,"ratingCount":1},"review":[{"@type":"Review","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Peter Martin"},"datePublished":"2024-05-21","reviewBody":"A faithful homemade version that brings genuine British character to the home kitchen.","name":"Chef's Rating","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5,"worstRating":1}}],"url":"https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/nandos-macho-pea-recipe","@id":"https://www.grittychef.com/recipes/nandos-macho-pea-recipe#recipe","image":["https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/681798de2b10b43b9458e123/6989951ef2adbbd24ba48fee_Phoenix_10_Image_Description_A_vibrant_bowl_of_Nandosstyle_mac_0.jpeg"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"GrittyChef","url":"https://www.grittychef.com","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/68179523ed0aeea15c49bade/690376118ebfd7be919eabab_gritty-chef-logo.png"}},"dateModified":"2026-03-26"}
SCHEMA||{"@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."}}]}
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