If you’re looking for a vibrant, fresh side dish that bursts with flavor and creaminess, you simply must try this Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe. It’s an absolute winner when you want something elegant yet incredibly simple to make. Bright green, silky smooth, and perfectly balanced with fragrant mint and gentle garlic undertones, this purée brings a refreshing twist to your table. Whether alongside grilled meats or as part of a vegetarian spread, its luscious texture and subtle flavors will captivate your taste buds and become a new favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward, quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible creamy consistency. From sweet peas to the aromatic mint, every element is simple but essential.
- Frozen peas (1 kg / 2 lb): Sweet and vibrant, they form the base of the purée and give it that fresh, green color.
- Unsalted butter (125g / 8 tbsp): Adds a silky richness and helps soften the garlic and eschalots without overpowering.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Delivers a gentle pungency that complements the sweetness of the peas.
- Medium eschalots, finely sliced (2): Provides depth with a mild onion flavor that’s both delicate and aromatic.
- Low sodium chicken or vegetable stock (2 cups): Ensures the purée has enough liquid for a smooth texture while enhancing the overall savoriness.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances and enhances the natural sweetness of the peas without overshadowing.
- White pepper (1/8 tsp): Offers a subtle warmth and gentle kick without the black specks.
- Fresh mint leaves (small handful, optional): Brings a refreshing brightness that elevates the purée to something truly special.
How to Make Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics
Begin by melting the butter gently in a saucepan over medium heat. This creates the perfect base to soften your minced garlic and finely sliced eschalots. Sauté them for about 3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant, taking care not to brown or caramelize them. This step is key to infusing the purée with mellow, rich flavor without any bitterness.
Step 2: Cook the Peas
Next, toss in your frozen peas and pour in the stock. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the peas cook for about 2 minutes—just enough to become tender while maintaining their bright color and fresh taste.
Step 3: Reserve Some Cooking Liquid
Before blending, carefully remove 1/3 cup of the cooking liquid and set it aside. This reserved liquid is your secret weapon for controlling the purée’s consistency later on, ensuring it’s never too thick or too runny.
Step 4: Blitz Until Smooth
Transfer the cooked peas and the remaining liquid into a food processor. Add salt, white pepper, and your mint leaves if you’re using them. Blitz everything on high speed for about a minute until you get an incredibly smooth and vibrant green purée that has a silky texture.
Step 5: Optional Straining
If you prefer an extra refined texture, press the purée through a fine mesh colander using a rubber spatula. This simple step ensures that any fibrous bits are left behind, making your Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe beautifully velvety and restaurant-ready.
Step 6: Adjust the Consistency
Use the reserved cooking liquid little by little to thin the purée to your ideal dolloping consistency. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed, but be cautious—this dish shines because it’s delicately seasoned, letting the natural flavors of peas and mint stand out.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Your creamy pea purée is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm either dolloped on plates or smeared artfully. It can also be offered in bowls for guests to help themselves, making it flexible for casual family dinners or elegant occasions alike.
How to Serve Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra can go a long way. Fresh mint leaves scattered on top add color and fresh aroma. A drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few toasted pine nuts also add texture and richness. If you love a touch of citrus, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten every bite beautifully.
Side Dishes
Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or seared lamb. It’s also a fantastic companion to crispy roasted potatoes or crunchy crusty bread that soaks up every last bit of that creamy goodness. For veggie lovers, pair it with roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your presentation to the next level by swirling the purée around a plate as a colorful base for a main course, or pipe it into small rosettes for elegant canapés. It also works beautifully as a filling in savory tarts or as a vibrant layer in a vegetable terrine. Don’t be afraid to get playful — this purée is as versatile as it is delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover pea purée to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making it easy to have a fresh, healthy side ready whenever you need it.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well, which is great news if you want to prepare in advance. Spoon the purée into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy again, warm the purée gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or stock if it thickens too much. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as slower warming helps preserve the creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will make your purée even sweeter and more vibrant, but remember to blanch them first to soften before blending. Frozen peas are a convenient and reliable choice year-round, though.
Is it necessary to add mint?
No, mint is optional but highly recommended. It adds a bright freshness that really lifts the flavor profile. If you don’t have mint, you can experiment with basil or parsley for a different but delightful twist.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Definitely! Simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil and ensure you use vegetable stock. The result remains creamy and delicious without any dairy.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can use a high-powered blender or even an immersion blender directly in the saucepan. Just blend until smooth, adjusting liquid as necessary for the perfect consistency.
How do I make the puree extra smooth?
For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve after blending. This removes any fibrous bits for a luxurious, velvety finish that’s truly impressive.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Creamy Pea Purée with Mint Recipe—it’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy family meal or a special gathering, it’s bound to impress. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen and at your table.
