Auntie Fanny's Pea and Mint Mash
This is still only peas, tastes of peas, and does not pretend to be any great gourmet dish! It's a simple, comforting side dish, which should be served with roast chicken, roast potatoes, and another totally different-tasting veggie such as roasted butternut. In fact, that's exactly what I cooked for dinner tonight: roast tarragon chicken together with butternut fingers (from a pillow pack!) and a few potatoes. And salad. And wine.

Total time
20 min
Servings
4
Calories
182.6
Category
Vegetable
Looking for the perfect side dish that is both vibrant and nutritious? Auntie Fanny's Pea and Mint Mash is a delightful, vegan-friendly recipe that elevates simple garden peas into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Ready in under 30 minutes, this healthy vegetable dish pairs perfectly with plant-based roasts, grilled tofu, or crusty bread, making it a kid-friendly favorite for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 1 1/2 butter
- 1 onion
- 1 potato
- 1 salt
- 2 sugar
- 1/2 white pepper
- 4 -6 mint
Method
Peel the onion and potato, and slice, then cut both into quite tiny pieces so they cook quickly.
Heat a knob of butter in a saucepan. Fry the chopped onion and potato, stirring, until they just soften. Salt lightly.
Add the peas, frozen or fresh, and add about 1/4 cup (or less) water. Bring to the boil, and stir well as soon as the frozen peas release their icy grip.
Add more salt, the sugar and the pepper, and stir. Turn heat lower and put on lid.
Simmer for about 7 - 10 minutes. Stir through at least once.
Drain in a sieve over a bowl, keeping the cooking liquid. Chuck all into your processor, but the mashing part can be done with any other utensil which will do the job.
Add the mint, to taste, and process until well mashed but not totally smooth. You will have to add 1 - 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid, but do not make it watery!
Taste for seasoning, and add more butter if you like.
Serve as suggested, with contrasting flavours, which it will need, as it's only a side dish and cannot stand on its own.
Cook's notes
- Use fresh garden peas if in season for a brighter, sweeter flavor profile.
- For extra creaminess without dairy, add a splash of unsweetened almond or soy milk while mashing.
- Pulse the peas in a food processor rather than over-mashing if you prefer a slightly rustic, textured consistency.
- Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole mint leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation.
Easy swaps
- Replace fresh mint with fresh basil or parsley if you prefer a different herbal note.
- Swap olive oil for a high-quality vegan butter to achieve a richer, more traditional mouthfeel.
- Add a clove of roasted garlic or a pinch of onion powder to deepen the savory flavor profile.
- Use frozen peas if fresh are unavailable; simply thaw them briefly in boiling water before mashing.
Frequently asked
Is this pea and mint mash vegan?
Yes, this recipe is 100% vegan, utilizing plant-based ingredients to achieve a creamy texture without the need for butter or cream.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
Auntie Fanny's Pea and Mint Mash is a quick and easy recipe that takes approximately 20 minutes from prep to table.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While traditionally served warm as a side dish, this mash also makes an excellent cold spread for toast or crackers when chilled.
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