Make Nando's Macho Peas right at home! This copycat recipe is made with whole and crushed peas, mint, parsley, and chili flakes. It's the perfect way to add some flavor to your meal with a quick and tasty vegetable side dish. Plus, it's ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Whether you can't get to a Nando's restaurant, or you're just looking for a tasty side dish, then this Macho Peas recipe is for you!
Whole peas, crushed peas, parsley, mint, and chili flakes all combine in a 10-minute side dish that takes frozen peas to the next level!
Plus, you (obviously) have to sing the Village People's Macho Man while making this recipe. "Macho, macho peas, I wanna be a macho pea."
Macho Peas are a classic side dish at Nando's, a popular Portuguese restaurant chain that specializes in flame-grilled chicken.
They are best known for their hot peri-peri sauce, which is made from African Bird's Eye chili peppers and their tasty side dishes. One of the most popular sides is their macho peas, so I'm recreating this recipe here for you with my copycat version!
Macho Peas is a minted peas dish that has been spiced up with chili flakes.
But if you don't have a Nando's around, you can make these lightly spicy peas right at home from scratch using this easy copycat recipe.
All you'll need is some peas, fresh parsley, fresh mint, butter, and oil, and a pinch of chili flakes to round it out. The combination of peas and mint is such a great pairing and is loved by adults and kids.
So the next time you want to make something special for dinner or your family and friends come over for dinner parties at home - this minted peas recipe will not disappoint!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These minty and spicy peas are a great flavor combination that is also naturally sweet.
- An easy Nando's copycat recipe.
- Macho Peas uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- A great way to get kids to eat their vegetables.
- The entire recipe takes under 10 minutes to make from start to finish.
Ingredients
- Frozen Peas - This vegetable makes up the bulk of the meal. Frozen peas are just as good as regular peas and can easily be cooked in no time.
- Butter & Olive Oil - These two fats are used to coat the peas with a rich buttery flavor that helps the seasonings stick to them making every bite delicious.
- Chopped Parsley - This herb is used to create a refreshing garden-fresh taste alongside the mint.
- Chopped Mint - This herb gives a refreshing minty taste to the Macho Peas and pairs perfectly with the parsley.
- Chili Flakes - A little bit of heat from these flakes gives a nice contrast to all of the minty and herby flavors in this dish.
- Salt - To season the minted peas, add a pinch of salt to taste.
Please see the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Macho Peas recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Cook the peas: Bring water to a boil in a medium-sized pot. Once the water is boiling, add the frozen peas and boil until cooked through and fork-tender. This should take about 4 minutes.
Drain and add oil: Drain the water out of the peas, then return them to the warm pot with the butter and oil. Mash them slightly (you want about 75% to stay whole).
Add seasonings: To the buttered peas, add fresh herbs, chili flakes, and salt. Stir to combine and serve warm with your favorite proteins and sides.
Top tips
Chop the herbs all roughly the same size so they blend into the peas and get the flavor in every bite.
The red chili flakes in this recipe is optional and can be omitted if you don't like spicy food or are serving it to children.
Depending on the size of the frozen peas, they may take a few minutes longer to become cooked through and fork-tender.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well alongside a heaping of comforting Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Great as an after-school snack with these Vegan Chicken Nuggets.
Serve it as the main vegetable alongside this Portobello Mushroom Steak.
Stir in a spoonful of Chili Garlic Oil for a more intense flavor.
Variations
Add a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before serving to brighten up the minty and herby flavors.
Sprinkle in some Everything Bagel Seasoning.
Add in a clove or two of minced garlic for a bold garlicky taste.
Replace the mint with cilantro for a different but equally delicious herb flavor.
Storage
Storing: To store any leftovers, transfer the minted peas to a sealed container and store them in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, pop them back into your pot on low heat until warmed through. For best results, stir occasionally with a wooden spoon so they don't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan.
Freezing: Because the peas were already frozen, the thawed texture will be too soggy. Therefore freezing is not recommended.
FAQs
Peri-peri chicken is the perfect pairing for these Macho Peas, but they can also be enjoyed alongside many main dishes.
No, you can use dried herbs in a pinch if needed. The measurements would stay the same. Just make sure to crush them between your fingers before adding them to the peas.
Yes, you can make minted peas up to four days in advance. Just store them in a sealed container in the fridge until ready to enjoy. They reheat well on low heat so they're perfect for busy weeknights!
More Peas recipes
Peas on Toast with Mint and Radishes
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📖 Recipe
Macho Peas
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas (450g)
- water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon parsley fresh finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon mint fresh finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried chilli flakes or more to taste
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the peas to a pot and fill with boiling water, then boil them for 4 minutes or until cooked.
- Drain, then return the peas to the pan and mash them slightly with a fork - you want about 75% left whole.
- Stir in the oil and butter, then stir in the herbs, chilli flakes and salt.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Kelly
While they tasted good, I found them lacking in flavor. I've never been to nandos. I needed to taste more mint and more spice. Otherwise, its an easy recipe. Comes together quickly.
Claudia Lamascolo
All I can say is good things about this recipe, my husband hated peas until I tried making this recipe and its a winner!
Gwynn
I'm always looking for new vegetable side dishes to serve and this one is a keeper and going onto my weekly menu rotation for sure!
Beth
This was absolutely delicious. I love peas, and I'm always looking for ways to get my man-child husband to eat anything green. LOL.
Tara
Oh wow! The peas sound so good paired with the mint and parsley. Such refreshing flavors and I love how everything comes together in 10 minutes.
Dannii
You can't beat homemade Nando's and these peas are my favourite.