Pea puree is an easy side dish made with frozen peas, onion, vegetable stock, and cream. Ready in about 25 minutes, it pairs especially well with grilled or smoked salmon. It also works as a dip for vegetables or chips and can even be tossed with pasta and Parmesan cheese for a simple meal.
I make this pea puree quite often when serving grilled or smoked salmon. It adds freshness to the plate and also acts as a light, creamy sauce, bringing all the flavors together. During the summer, I often serve it with Finnish new potatoes and grilled vegetables. It’s a simple meal that doesn’t take much effort but always tastes good.
Frozen Peas Make This Recipe Easy
Frozen peas are one of my favorite freezer staples. They are available all year round, require no preparation, and keep their bright green color and naturally sweet flavor. Because they are frozen soon after harvesting, they make an excellent choice for recipes like this.
Having a bag of frozen peas in the freezer means you can make this puree whenever you need a quick side dish.
A Great Side Dish for Salmon
I prefer leaving a little texture in the puree instead of blending it completely smooth. It gives the dish a more homemade feel and works well alongside fish. If you prefer a silky smooth puree, simply blend it a little longer and, if desired, press it through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
This pea puree is especially good with grilled salmon or smoked salmon, but it also pairs well with white fish, roasted chicken, grilled lamb, or pork. Served with Finnish new potatoes and seasonal vegetables, it makes an easy meal that feels just a little special.
Easy to Adapt
The basic recipe is delicious as it is, but you can easily change it to suit your taste.
I occasionally add fresh herbs just before serving. Dill is a natural choice with salmon, while parsley adds freshness and mint gives the puree a lighter, summery flavor. A few drops of lemon juice brighten the flavor, and a pinch of sugar balances the sweetness of the peas.
If you’d like a thinner consistency, simply stir in a splash of warm vegetable stock or cream before serving.
More Than Just a Side Dish
Although I most often serve this pea puree with salmon, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.
Serve it cold as a dip with fresh vegetables or potato chips, or use it as a simple pasta sauce. Toss the warm puree with freshly cooked pasta, add grated Parmesan cheese, and finish with a little black pepper.
If you’re looking for more serving ideas, take a look at my Grilled Salmon, Smoked Salmon, and Finnish New Potatoes recipes. They all make a delicious meal together with this easy pea puree recipe.
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Pea Purée
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Immersion blender
- Measuring jug
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 3 dl about 2 cups / 300 g frozen peas
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 dl (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) vegetable stock
- 1 dl (⅓ cup + 1 tbsp) heavy cream
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Pinch of sugar
- A few drops of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Do not let it brown.
- Stir in the frozen peas, vegetable stock, and heavy cream.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of sugar.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until the peas are tender.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and blend with an immersion blender until mostly smooth. Leave a little texture if you like.
- Stir in a few drops of fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Notes
If the purée is thicker than you like, stir in a splash of warm vegetable stock or cream.
Serve with grilled salmon, pan-fried white fish, roasted chicken, lamb, pasta, or grilled vegetables.
