Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas Recipe

This simple Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas recipe is made with sweet frozen peas, rich butter, heavy cream, and a hint of fresh mint. The result is a bright, creamy, and savory side dish with a wonderfully comforting texture. Perfect as a classic accompaniment to a weeknight meal, this recipe is a British staple that serves about 4 people.

Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) frozen peas
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (double cream)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)

How To Make Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas

1. Cook the peas: Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the frozen peas and cook for just 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender and bright green. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
2. Add cream and butter: Return the hot, drained peas to the pot and place it back on the stove over very low heat. Add the butter and heavy cream.
3. Mash to your liking: Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the peas. For a chunkier texture, mash lightly. For a smoother consistency, continue mashing until you reach the desired texture.
4. Season and serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Season the mushy peas with salt and pepper to your taste. If you’re using it, stir in the chopped fresh mint right before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Don’t Overcook the Peas: To keep their sweet flavor and vibrant green color, cook the peas for only a few minutes until they are just tender. Overcooking can make them turn dull and mushy.
• Drain Well: Make sure to drain all the water from the peas after boiling. Excess water will make your mushy peas runny and dilute the rich flavor from the butter and cream.
• Use Real Butter: For the best flavor, use good-quality real butter. It adds a richness that you can’t get from margarine.
• Add Mint at the End: If you’re using fresh mint, stir it in after you have taken the pot off the heat. This preserves its bright, fresh flavor, which can diminish with too much cooking.

What To Serve Mushy Peas

These classic mushy peas are the ultimate side dish for traditional British fare. They are most famously served alongside golden, crispy fish and chips. They also pair wonderfully with savory meat pies, roasted chicken, or classic bangers and mash (sausages and mashed potatoes). You can also serve them with pan-seared salmon for a simple and delicious meal.

How To Store Mushy Peas Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover mushy peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freeze: You can freeze mushy peas for longer storage. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture may be slightly different after freezing

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen? Yes, you can use fresh peas. They may need a slightly longer cooking time. Cook them until they are tender before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free? To make a dairy-free version, simply substitute the butter with a high-quality plant-based butter and use a dairy-free cream alternative, such as oat cream or soy cream.
• How do I get my mushy peas extra smooth? If you prefer a very smooth, puréed texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the pea mixture to a food processor. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency.

Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas Nutrition Fact

• Calories: 185 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 20g
• Dietary Fiber: 7g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 8g

More Nigella Recipe:

• Nigella Lawson Chilli Jam
• Nigella Cauliflower Cheese
• Nigella Chicken Liver Pate

Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas Recipe

Author: Clara Bennett Cooking Method:Boiling Cuisine:British American Courses:Sides Dinner Lunch Main

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 4 minutesCook time: 4 minutesRest time: 2 minutesTotal time: 10 minutesServings:6 servingsCalories:185 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

A classic and simple Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas recipe. This creamy and savory side dish is made with sweet peas, butter, and heavy cream, and is ready in under 10 minutes. It’s the perfect traditional accompaniment for fish and chips or a savory pie.

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) frozen peas
  
• 1 tablespoon butter
  
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
  
• Salt and pepper to taste
  
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook peas: Boil frozen peas in water for 3-4 minutes until tender. Drain well.
   
2. Mash: Return peas to the pot. Add butter and cream, then mash with a potato masher to your desired consistency.
   
3. Season: Season with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh mint, if using. Serve war

Notes

• Adjust Cream Quantity: Adjust the amount of heavy cream to achieve your preferred consistency. Use more for a creamier texture or less for a chunkier result.
• Add a Splash of Lemon: A small squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the peas and add a refreshing tang.
• Blending Option: For a smoother texture, you can blend the peas using an immersion blender or food processor instead of mashing them.
• Keep Warm: If preparing in advance, keep the mushy peas warm in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until ready to serve.
• Texture Variation: For added texture, you can mix in some whole peas after mashing most of them, giving a combination of smooth and chunky peas.

Keywords:Nigella Lawson Mushy Peas Recipe