Minty Mashed Peas

This recipe is not a family recipe, but is based upon a side dish at Nando's Peri-Peri, a South African chain that has recently made it to Chicago. When MDS and I ate at Nando's we loved their Macho Peas. Mashed peas is originally a British recipe and is also sometimes called mushy peas. Nando's spiced up the mashed peas to make the Macho peas. I especially liked the chili and mint flavor together. In all, the Macho peas are a unique flavor.

You can use fresh peas, but frozen peas work just fine. Some recipes for mashed peas call for boiling the peas to cook them, but I prefer to saute the peas. You can use fresh or dried herbs, so just adjust the seasoning as needed. This dish comes together as an easy side dish that could go well with just about anything.

Minty Mashed Peas 

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 pound peas
• 1 small onion finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. dried mint
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 tsp. dried parsley
• 2 Tbsp. butter

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the peas, onion, mint, chili powder and parsley. Saute for about 10 minutes. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash the peas. For a more mushy result, use a food processor to blend the peas. Add butter and mix well. Enjoy!