Easy Mushy Peas with Roasted Veggies

This easy mashed peas recipe makes a delicious hearty side dish but can work too as the main dish for vegan and vegetarian meals. Ready in about 30 minutes, this mushy peas recipe is perfect for busy weeknights!

Are you ready to try something new? Go for it!

This mushy peas recipe is a great way to get your veggies in! The sweetness of the peas and onions makes it super tasty and delicious, and it takes so little time to prepare. 

Roast your veggies in the oven with some olive oil while you boil the peas, mash the peas and serve them together. Voilá! You have a perfect weekday lunch!

If you’re not a fan of cauliflower this is a great way to eat it. Roasting it in the oven makes the flavor get to a whole new level. Nutty and sweet. Just perfect!

If you want to add an extra touch to it you could make a simple vegan alfredo sauce or garlic cream sauce and drizzle it on top or maybe toast some baguette slices and put them on the side. So good!

What are Mashed Peas?

They go by the name, mashed peas, mushy peas, or smashed peas! They might sound like an unusual recipe to you but let me tell you – they’re so yummy! 

Mushy peas are a common dish in the UK and an all-time favorite. People eat them with their Sunday Roasts at the local pubs or at grandma’s house. Now, just because it has traditional origins doesn’t mean this recipe will be old-fashioned. 

It’s an oldie with a twist! And the best part is that they’re super healthy!

Why This Recipe Works

• Vibrant colors! Cooked peas deliver a super bright green color and the roasted veggies have so many beautiful shades of red and purple.
• A healthy way to eat the rainbow! Green peas are full of nutrients and vitamins, and full of good plant protein to keep you fuller for longer.
• Side dish or main dish. Mashed peas are traditionally a side dish, but bulking them up in this recipe, makes it hearty enough for a main dish.
• A unique way to eat peas. If you’re looking for a new way to eat peas, trying them out mashed makes a nice change.

What Goes Into This Recipe

The ingredients to make this mushy peas dish are so nourishing and full of life, you’ll feel nice and light after eating it (not to mention energetic)!

• Peas: This recipe relies on frozen peas making it perfect for any time of the year. When fresh peas are available, you can definitely use them instead.
• Roasted vegetables: Cauliflower florets, red onion, and carrots. 
• Olive oil: A healthy oil used to roast the veggies.
• Seasoning and garnish: Fresh thyme, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.

How To Make Mashed Peas

• 1) Prep before getting started. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
• 2) Cook the peas. Boil them in salted water for about 10 to 15 minutes, until they soften up.

• 3) Combine the cauliflower, onion, and carrots on the lined baking tray and drizzle them with some olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• 4) Place the vegetables in the oven to bake for 20 to 25 minutes.

• 5) When the peas are soft, drain and mash them with a fork and season with salt and pepper. Cover with a lid and keep warm until the roasted vegetables are ready.

• 6) Serve up mashed peas with the roasted veggies on top and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh thyme.

Expert Tips and FAQs

• In spring or early summer, try making this recipe with fresh peas.
• Don’t overcook the peas. For an ultra-bright green color, cook them just until tender.
• Cut the roasted vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Give the veggies room when cooking. Use a large enough baking pan so the veggies can be spread out. They will cook more quickly and crisp up better.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add some herbs: Mix in chopped basil, mint, parsley, tarragon and thyme to the mixed peas to change up the flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Add more protein: Add some nuts such as sliced almonds or chopped walnuts, some crispy chickpeas, or toasted pepitas to the top of your plate of mashed peas.

What to Serve with Mashed Peas

Here are some of my favorite ways to serve mashed peas.

• Comforting sides: Add on a batch of these peas along with Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, Vegan Mashed Potatoes, and Rosemary Roasted Potatoes creating hearty and satisfying meals.
• As a side to your favorite main dish. BBQ Cauliflower Wings, White Bean Burgers, Crispy Tofu Sticks, and Buttery Lemon Tofu.

More Vegetable Recipes

• Baked Zucchini Fries
• Vegan Calabacitas
• Cheesy Tahini Brussels Sprouts
• Roasted Tomatoes
• Blistered Shishito Peppers

Photos by Alfonso Revilla