Easy Minted Peas – Platings + Pairings

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-simple side dish? Try Minted Peas! Sweet green peas are upgraded with butter, savory aromatics, fresh mint, and zesty lemon to give you a vibrant dish that pairs beautifully with any meal.

When you think of fresh mint, you might picture a refreshing mojito or mint julep, desserts like mint chip ice cream, or mint jelly atop lamb chops. But have you ever considered pairing mint with …peas?! It might sound unconventional, but it’s a classic pairing with elegant, bright, and sweet flavors.

Intrigued? Then you’ll definitely want to give this Minted Peas side dish a try!

Picture tender green peas cooked in butter with savory aromatics and mingling with fresh mint and a hint of zesty lemon. The result is a green pea side dish that’s as refreshing as it is flavorful! Not to mention, this recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly versatile—pair it with anything from grilled meats to tapas. Prepare for your new favorite side dish!

Ingredients 

• Butter
• Green onions – They add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the peas. Substitute shallots for a slightly sweeter, more delicate onion flavor.
• Garlic
• Green peas – Fresh or frozen peas are best for minted peas, but canned peas can work if that’s all you have. More on this below.
• Fresh mint leaves – Because it wouldn’t be a minted peas recipe without the fresh mint leaves! Make sure you use fresh spearmint leaves, NOT peppermint leaves. According to this article by Taste of Home, peppermint is seriously pungent and almost spicy, and that’s not what we’re going for here. Spearmint contains less menthol, which gives it a more delicate flavor that better complements the sweet peas.
• Lemon zest – The zesty, citrusy element that brightens and lifts every flavor.
• Kosher salt
• Ground black pepper

The best peas for minted peas 

Choosing the perfect type of pea for your minted peas can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the finished dish. Here’s a breakdown to help you make the best choice: 

• Fresh green peas – Fresh peas have the sweetest, most vibrant flavor and bring a natural, garden-fresh bite. However, they can be hard to find outside of spring and early summer.
• Frozen peas – These are available year-round, come pre-shelled, and are ready to use. They can be slightly softer than fresh peas but still are tasty and maintain a good texture when cooked.
• Canned peas – While convenient, canned peas tend to have a more muted flavor and can be mushy compared to fresh or frozen peas. They should be a last resort when making minted peas.

How to make minted peas 

Melt some of the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the green onions and garlic and sauté until they’re soft and fragrant. 

Add the peas to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peas are tender and heated through.

Stir in the fresh mint, lemon zest, and remaining butter. Heat just until the butter is creamy and coats the peas. 

Give it a taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy! 

Tips and tricks

• Cook the peas just until they are tender and heated through to maintain their bright color and firm texture.
• When zesting the lemon, only grate the yellow part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Feel free to squeeze some lemon juice into the dish at the end for added brightness. 
• Serve your peas while they’re still fresh and hot for the best flavors and textures! 

Variations

• Add bacon – Sauté bacon bits until crispy, then use the rendered fat instead of butter to cook the green onions and garlic. Stir the bacon back in with the peas for a deliciously smoky flavor.
• Add cheese – Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese over the peas for a salty, tangy boost. Or, crumble some feta cheese on top just before serving.
• Add spring vegetables – Finely diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, asparagus tips, or snap peas would all add an extra pop of color and sweetness. Sauté these vegetables with the onions and garlic before adding the peas and mint.
• Fresh herbs and spices – Toss in fresh parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, or chives to complement the fresh elements in this dish.
• Add wine – After sautéing the onion and garlic, deglaze the skillet with a splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to lift any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom.

Serving suggestions

Let’s make it a meal! Here are some delicious main courses that pair beautifully with the fresh, vibrant flavors of these peas:

Complete the meal with crusty bread or homemade naan and one or two of these perfectly paired sides: 

Minted peas are also fantastic with a variety of small plates and appetizers, like any of these 45+ Spanish Tapas Recipes to Try at Home.

FAQs

Do mint and peas go together? 

Yes, mint and peas are a classic combination. The sweetness of the peas pairs beautifully with the refreshing, bright, and slightly peppery mint to create an oh-so-delicious spring or summer side dish. 

How do I make minted mushy peas?

Turning your minted pea recipe into minted mushy peas is easy! Just follow the recipe as instructed, cooking the peas until they’re tender and heated through. Then, use the back of a fork or a potato masher to mash the peas to your desired mushiness.

Storing and reheating

Store the leftover minted peas in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the peas in a skillet over low heat with a small knob of butter or a splash of water to keep them moist.

More green pea recipes

More easy vegetable side dishes

​​​​Did you make easy minted peas?

If you loved peas with mint, I would appreciate it so much if you would leave a ⭐️star review⭐️! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

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