Pea purée is a simple dish that is full of flavor and incredibly easy to make. It’s a versatile recipe that can be used as a side dish, a spread, or as a base for other recipes. It can be incorporated into a variety of meals from a simple weeknight dinner to a more elaborate dish.
This article will provide a guide to making perfect pea purée. We will cover the basics, offer variations, and provide tips to help you create the best pea purée recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make a simple, delicious pea purée:
- Frozen Peas: 2 cups (277g/10oz)
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Lemon Zest: From about ½ a lemon
- Water: ½ cup (for cooking and blending)
- Butter: 2 tbsp (3.7 oz cold butter)
- Salt: ¼ tsp
- Pepper: ¼ tsp
- Sugar (Optional): 1 tsp. A tiny bit of sugar can enhance the peas’ natural sweetness.
How to Make Pea Purée: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to make a pea purée that’s restaurant-worthy:
Blanching the Peas
- Bring salted water to a boil. The salt keeps the peas from turning grey.
- Toss the peas and a clove of garlic in the boiling water. Some cooks add a pinch of sugar to prevent the peas from losing their sweetness.
- Cook until the peas are very soft.
- Before draining, save about a half-cup of the water you used to cook the peas.
- Plunge the peas into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep their bright green color.
Blending the Purée
- Put the blanched peas in a blender or use an immersion blender to purée them. For the smoothest texture, blend the peas while they’re still hot.
- Add salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar, if you like.
- Add cold butter a little at a time while blending to emulsify. Don’t add it all at once, or the mixture could overheat.
- Add some of the reserved cooking liquid until it reaches the consistency you want.
Finishing Touches
- Put the purée in a pan over medium heat.
- Stir in the rest of the butter until it’s all melted and mixed in.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Perfect Pea Purée
Want to take your pea purée to the next level? Here are a few tips:
- Use good peas. High-quality frozen peas give the best flavor and color.
- Boil first. Make sure your water is boiling before adding the peas. This stops them from oxidizing and losing their color.
- Ice bath. Cool the purée in an ice bath right after blanching. This keeps that vibrant green color.
- Adjust the thickness. Use the reserved cooking water to get the perfect consistency.
- Dairy-free? No problem. Swap butter for olive oil or vegan butter.
- Add herbs. Fresh herbs like mint or parsley add a little more flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Pea purée is surprisingly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Serve it as a side with fish, chicken, or pretty much any protein.
- Spread it on toast or sandwiches.
- Toss it with pasta for a quick and easy meal.
- Use it as the base for a delicious pea soup.
- Stir it into mashed potatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Swirl it into risotto or polenta for a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
In Closing
Pea purée is so easy to make, and it’s incredibly versatile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, and other flavorings to create a pea purée that’s all your own.
Try it as a side dish, a sauce, or even a dip! You can store leftover pea purée in the refrigerator for up to five days, or freeze it for up to six months. Enjoy!