Last year, my family planted peas in our backyard garden. We had no idea how much we'd love them until those sweet green gems started popping up. Fast forward to a sunny afternoon at Trillium Brewing, where I ordered a smashed pea toast topped with crunchy radishes. One bite, and I was hooked. I came home determined to recreate that magic with a little twist: preserved lemons. This quick smashed pea toast has become a beloved lunch staple in our house, and it’s a perfect way to bring a little garden-fresh joy to your kitchen, too.

Smashed peas combined with fragrant garlic, a whisper of shallot, bright parsley, and a salty, citrusy hit of preserved lemon create a vibrant, flavorful spread. Finished with a drizzle of good olive oil and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s an irresistible mash you’ll want to put on everything. This smashed pea toast recipe is fast, flexible, nutrient-packed, and ridiculously delicious

Ingredient Highlights

Peas: Sweet English peas bring a naturally vibrant flavor. Fresh peas from the farmer’s market are ideal, but frozen green peas are a convenient swap that still give you that bright pop.

Shallot: Adds a mild, sweet onion flavor without overpowering the delicate smashed peas. If needed, green onion or sauteed onions can be used instead.

Fresh Leaf Parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness to the smashed pea mixture, balancing the richness of the olive oil. For a twist, try adding fresh mint or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Preserved Lemon: These lemons are packed and fermented with salt, delivering a salty-citrusy punch that fresh lemon or lemon zest alone can’t match. Look for them in international markets or online. You will only be using the peel of the personal lemon. If unavailable, substitute fresh lemon peel, a tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of extra salt.

Pro Tip: Always bring your cooked peas to room temperature if using frozen. It helps the spread come together faster and keeps the smashed pea mixture vibrant green.

Tips, Tricks, and Alterations

• Texture Control: Pulse the pea mixture just until a coarse paste forms; you want some chunky bits for the best "smashed" texture.
• No Food Processor? Use a medium bowl and a potato masher instead!
• Add a Little Oil: Drizzle a little olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) over the toasted bread for a lush finish.
• Serving Temp: This nutritious snack is best at room temperature but still lovely straight from the fridge.
• Flavor Variations: Add 2 tablespoons goat cheese for extra creaminess or sprinkle with Aleppo pepper for a mild, smoky heat.
• Make it a Dip: Thin out the smashed pea mixture with 2 tablespoons cooking liquid or a cup water for a scoopable dip.
• Make it Ahead: The smashed pea mixture can be made ahead of time and stores wonderfully. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it for longer storage. Just defrost overnight in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving.

How to Make Pea and Preserved Lemon Toast

Chop 1 shallot and 1 garlic clove finely.

Scrape the flesh from the preserved lemon peel. Chop the preserved lemon peel finally and discard the lemon flesh.

In your food processor, combine 2 cups fresh or frozen peas (thawed if using frozen), ¼ cup fresh parsley, the chopped shallot and garlic, ½ preserved lemon (chopped), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, and 4 tablespoons olive oil.

Pulse until a coarse paste forms, scraping down the sides as needed. You want some texture!

Season the pea mash with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. Give it one last quick pulse to combine.

Transfer the pea mixture to a small bowl. Spread generously over toasted bread (sourdough slices are ideal). For an extra treat, drizzle toast with a little more olive oil and a sprinkle of lemon zest.

Recipe

Smash Pea Toast

This Pea Spread with Preserved Lemon served on toast is one of my absolute favorite lunches. It takes no time at all to whip up and is absolutely delicious.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Snack

Equipment

• food prosseser

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups fresh or frozen peas thawed if frozen
• 1 shallot finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove chopped
• ¼ cup fresh leaf parsley
• ½ preserved lemon (the peel only) chopped
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• Chop shallot and garlic finely.
• Combine peas, parsley, shallot, garlic, preserved lemon, lemon juice, thyme, and olive oil in a food processor.
• Pulse until a coarse paste forms.
• Season with salt and red pepper flakes.
• Spread on toasted bread and enjoy!

Keyword 10 minute meal, peas, preserved lemons, snack, toast