Fresh Smashed Peas with Mint & Fennel

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Fresh Smashed Peas with Mint & Fennel

If you’re looking for a quick snack that looks fancy and tastes even better, try this fresh pea and feta bruschetta. It’s easy to make but gives the feeling of a restaurant-style dish.

Sweet peas are cooked with onion, garlic, and fennel, then mashed and served on crunchy toasted bread. A little feta cheese, fresh mint, and snow pea sprouts take this dish to the next level, making it perfect for guests or a family treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 500g fresh or frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 baby fennel bulb, thinly sliced and diced
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 3/4 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 long baguette or bread stick, sliced into 1 cm thick pieces
  • 150g soft feta cheese
  • Fresh mint leaves, snow pea sprouts, and fennel fronds for garnish

How to Cook the Peas

Start by heating olive oil in a small pan. Add the chopped onion, fennel, and half a garlic clove (finely chopped). Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the onion becomes soft but not brown.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to a boil. Add the peas and let them cook for about 5 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat, mix in the butter, and season with salt and pepper.

Use a stick blender to mash the peas into a chunky mixture. Be careful not to blend too much—you want a thick mash, not a smooth puree.

Toast the Bread

Cut the bread into thin slices (around 1 cm thick) and toast them under a hot grill until golden brown. Once toasted, rub each piece with the other half of the garlic clove. Then spread a small amount of soft feta cheese on each slice.

Assemble and Serve

Spoon the mashed peas onto the feta-covered toast. Top each one with a little fresh mint, some snow pea sprouts, and fennel fronds to add colour and freshness.

You can serve these warm or at room temperature. This recipe makes enough to serve 8–10 people as a snack or 6 as a light starter.

This pea and feta bruschetta recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s packed with flavour from sweet peas, creamy feta, and fresh herbs. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and makes a beautiful plate.

Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or just making it as an evening snack, this recipe is sure to impress without stressing you out in the kitchen.

Recipe Source

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen peas work just as well and are a great time-saver. Just cook them the same way as fresh peas.

What can I use if I don’t have fennel?

You can skip fennel or use a small amount of chopped celery to add a similar crunch with a different flavour.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

No, it contains butter and feta. But you can make it vegan by using dairy-free butter and a vegan feta alternative.

Can I prepare this bruschetta in advance?

You can make the mashed peas earlier and store them. Toast and assemble the bruschetta just before serving for the best taste and texture.

What bread works best for this recipe?

A firm bread like a baguette or sourdough is ideal, as it holds the toppings without getting soggy.

Melisa

Melisa is a talented chef and passionate food writer behind the blog TrishsOutOfTheWayCafe.com. With a love for baking and a flair for creativity in the kitchen, she specializes in crafting mouthwatering cakes and delicious, easy-to-follow recipes. Melisa’s blog reflects her deep culinary knowledge and her joy in sharing comforting, homemade dishes with food lovers everywhere.

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