Smashed Peas With Fresh Mint Food

SMASHED PEAS WITH MINT BUTTER

Steps:

• Cook peas with water and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through and tender, about 8 minutes.
• While peas cook, stir together butter, mint, parsley, pepper and remaining 3/4 teaspoons salt until combined well.
• Pulse peas (with cooking water) in 2 batches in a food processor until coarsely pureed, transferring to a large bowl. Stir in herb butter until melted.

SMASHED PEAS WITH FRESH MINT

Steps:

• Quarter leek lengthwise, then slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place leeks in a large bowl of cold water, and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to rid them of dirt and sand. Lift leeks out of the water with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
• In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat; add garlic, shallots, leeks, salt, and pepper. Cook until very soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Add peas, raise heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until peas are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the pea mixture to the bowl of a food processor. Add chicken stock and remaining tablespoon of olive oil; pulse until mixture is a coarse puree, about 12 pulses. Transfer half the puree to a medium bowl. Process the remaining half for 15 seconds, then combine with the coarsely pureed peas. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Transfer smashed peas to a serving dish. Stir in mint. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

SMASHED MINTED PEAS

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over a medium heat and sizzle the shallot for 5 mins until soft. Add the stock and peas, and bring to a simmer. Cook gently for 10 mins until the peas are soft.
• Roughly mash the pea mixture with a potato masher, or, if you prefer a smoother texture, purée with a hand blender. (It's best to leave some of the peas whole or roughly crushed for texture.) Season to taste and stir through the mint leaves just before serving.

MINTY MUSHY PEAS

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a pan and add the chopped onions, mint, and peas. Cover and leave for a few minutes to steam. Mash with a potato masher. You can do this with a food processor as well, just pulse it until smooth. Whether mashing or pulsing, when it's done add the butter and season very carefully, to taste.

SMASHED BUTTERY PEAS

Steps:

• Cook 1 pound frozen peas with 4 tablespoons each butter and water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat until soft, 12 to 15 minutes. Uncover and smash with a potato masher to make a chunky puree. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon each lemon zest and pepper. Season with salt and thin with 2 to 3 tablespoons water.

SMASHED PEAS WITH MINT BUTTER

Steps:

• Cook peas with water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a 5-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until heated through and tender, about 8 minutes.
• While peas cook, stir together butter, mint, parsley, pepper, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt until combined well.
• Pulse peas (with cooking water) in 2 batches in a food processor until coarsely puréed, transferring to a large bowl. Stir in herb butter until melted.

MASHED PEAS

Steps:

• Heat the olive oil in a skillet, and cook and stir the frozen peas, mint leaves, and green onions until the peas are hot and tender but still bright green, 7 to 10 minutes. Pour the peas into a bowl, and mash until the peas are thoroughly crushed but still slightly chunky. Stir in the butter, brown sugar, and salt and pepper, and mix until the sugar has dissolved. Serve warm or cold.

SMASHED PEAS WITH MINT TAPENADE

Steps:

• Process the peas in a food processor until roughly chopped. Stir in fresh mint, olive oil, salt and pepper.
• Can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, but allow to sit out on counter for 10 minutes to bring tapenade back to room temperature.

CROSTINI WITH SMASHED PEAS AND FRESH MINT

Steps:

• Quarter the leek lengthwise, and slice crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick pieces. Place in a large bowl of cold water, and leave for 5 to 10 minutes to rid the pieces of dirt and sand. Using a slotted spoon, lift leek pieces out of water, and drain.
• In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over low heat; add garlic, shallots, leek, and salt and pepper. Cook until very soft but not browned, about 15 minutes. Add peas, raising the heat to medium, and cook, stirring, until peas are heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.
• Transfer the pea mixture to a food processor. Add chicken stock and the remaining tablespoon olive oil; pulse until mixture is a coarse puree, about 12 pulses. Transfer half the puree to a medium bowl. Process the remaining half of the peas for 15 seconds, then combine with the coarsely pureed peas. Stir in chopped mint. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if necessary.
• Cut bread into 1/4-inch-thick slices, brush with oil, and toast under the broiler on both sides until golden brown. Spread the pea mixture on the toasted bread, and serve immediately or at room temperature.