30-Minute Lemony Pea Mash Crostini
A vibrant spring appetizer featuring sweet peas mashed with garlic, fresh parsley, and bright lemon zest. The creamy pea mixture is spread generously on crispy crostini and finished with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for gentle heat. Perfect for entertaining, this recipe transforms simple frozen peas into an elegant starter that celebrates fresh, seasonal flavors. The make-ahead friendly pea mash can be prepared hours in advance and assembled just before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen peas, thawedfresh peas1:1vegetarianspring
use 2 cups fresh peas, reduce cooking time
- 2 garlic cloves, coarsely chopped
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley
- 3 tablespoons virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
- zest of two lemons, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
- 20 crostinistoasted baguette slices1:1homemade
slice baguette and toast until golden
Instructions
- 1
Combine peas, garlic, parsley, olive oil, salt and water in a medium saucepan
- 2
Bring to a simmer and stir for 5-7 minutes until parsley is wilted and garlic starts to soften
- 3
Strain the mixture, reserving the cooking liquid
- 4
Add the solids to a food processor with lemon zest, lemon juice and remaining olive oil
- 5
Puree the mixture, adding reserved liquid gradually until spreadable consistency
- 6
Remove and refrigerate until ready to serve
- 7
Spread the pea mash generously on crostini
- 8
Sprinkle with crushed red pepper and remaining lemon zest
- 9
Drizzle with additional olive oil if desired
Tips
Reserve the cooking liquid when straining - it helps achieve the perfect spreadable consistency for the pea mash
Make the pea mixture ahead of time and refrigerate, then assemble crostini just before serving for best texture
Adjust the amount of reserved liquid gradually when pureeing to avoid making the mixture too thin
Good to Know
Refrigerate pea mash for up to 3 days in airtight container
Prepare pea mash up to 1 day ahead, assemble crostini just before serving
Serve immediately after assembling for best texture contrast
Common Mistakes
Don't add all reserved liquid at once to avoid making mixture too thin
Assemble just before serving to prevent crostini from becoming soggy
Substitutions
slice baguette and toast until golden
FAQ
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, use 2 cups fresh peas and reduce the cooking time slightly since fresh peas are more tender than frozen ones.
How long will the pea mash keep in the refrigerator?
The prepared pea mash will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, you can mash the mixture with a potato masher or fork, though the texture will be more rustic and less smooth.