Description

A smooth and vibrant pea puree made with fresh frozen peas, butter, garlic, and shallots, gently cooked and blended to a creamy consistency. This versatile side dish is lightly seasoned and can be enhanced with fresh mint for a refreshing twist. Perfect to serve warm alongside fish, poultry, or vegetarian dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 kg / 2 lb frozen peas
125g / 8 tbsp unsalted butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium eschalots (baby onions or shallots), finely sliced
2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock/broth (use vegetable stock if serving with fish)
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp white pepper
1 small handful mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

Aromatics: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely sliced eschalots, sautéing gently for about 3 minutes until they are soft but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Cook peas: Add the frozen peas and the stock to the saucepan. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium, allowing it to simmer gently for 2 minutes to cook the peas through.
Reserve liquid: Carefully remove and set aside 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid from the saucepan to adjust puree consistency later.
Blitz: Transfer the peas and the remaining cooking liquid to a food processor. Add the salt, white pepper, and mint leaves if using. Blend on high speed for about 1 minute until completely smooth.
Optional straining: For an extra-smooth texture, press the puree through a fine mesh colander or sieve using a rubber spatula to remove any remaining solids.
Adjust consistency: Use the reserved cooking liquid to thin the puree to your preferred consistency, aiming for a soft, dolloping texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with a little more salt and pepper if needed, keeping the flavors subtle and balanced.
Serve: Serve the pea puree warm. It can be dolloped or smeared on plates as a base for main dishes or served in bowls for guests to help themselves.

Notes

The puree can be made with either chicken or vegetable stock depending on dietary preferences or to complement the main dish.
Fresh mint leaves are optional but add a fresh, aromatic flavor that pairs well with peas.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.
Straining the puree is optional but recommended for the smoothest texture.
This puree pairs beautifully with fish, roast chicken, or as a base for a vegetarian plate.
Use low sodium stock to control the saltiness more easily.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: European

Keywords: pea puree, pea side dish, pea puree recipe, easy vegetable puree, mint pea puree, smooth pea puree, side dish for fish, healthy vegetable puree