@georginaburgess_, a TikTok foodie creator, shares their ultimate peas on toast recipe, calling out why it’s such an underrated brunch option.
Move over, avocado. There’s a new green toast topper in town, and it’s likely already sitting in your cupboard. A recent trend suggests the ‘avo toast era’ may be coming to an end as search trends and social content for smashed peas on toast soar!
As the cost of living crisis continues to hit the UK, and Brits view food costs as a top priority right now, the humble garden pea is being revived as the ultimate “dupe” for the avocado. Not only is it easier on the wallet, but it’s also proving to be a nutritional powerhouse that’s far more sustainable than the imported avocado.
Why the pea is the new MVP
HelloFresh, the world’s leading meal box provider, have shared why the “smashed pea” is taking over the breakfast table:
Minding the £s and Ps
While prices of avocados fluctuate by season and shipping, a bag of peas remains one of the most cost-effective items in the shopping trolley. One serving of smashed peas costs roughly one-fifth of the price of a single avocado.
Pea-k performance
Peas are naturally higher in protein than avocados and contain significantly less fat. While the fats in avocados are the “healthy” monounsaturated kind, peas offer a leaner, high-energy alternative that packs a secret protein punch to power your morning.
The ‘pea-ce’ of mind for the planet
Most avocados travel thousands of miles to reach UK plates, with data from foodmiles.com showing the average avocado travels roughly 4,800 miles to reach the UK. By switching to the local garden pea, foodies can drastically reduce their “food miles” and the subsequent carbon footprint of their breakfast.
“The beauty of the smashed pea is its versatility” says Mimi Morley, Senior Recipe Development Manager at HelloFresh. “While avocado quality can be inconsistent, either rock hard or overripe, frozen peas are always at their peak and ready for action. It’s the era of the ‘elevated staple’ and we’re showing Brits that you don’t always have to use exotic ingredients for a healthy and delicious start to the day.”
The ultimate ‘Smashed Peas on Toast’ recipe (from HelloFresh)
This 5-minute breakfast will rival any avocado on toast.
Ingredients: 200g frozen peas, sourdough, fresh mint, lemon, chilli flakes, and creme fraiche (optional) .
“The secret to great smashed peas on toast is all about the texture and the ‘zing’,” says Mimi. “To make this at home, simply boil 200g of frozen pears for two minutes (or you can even microwave them) until they’re vibrant green.”
She adds, “Once drained, simply use a fork, as you would with avocado, and mash them to keep that chunky texture. The gamechanger is adding the zest and juice of half a lemon and sprinkling in some fresh mint; this cuts through the sweetness and makes the dish pop. You could even stir in a tbsp of creme fraiche if you’re feeling decadent. Pile this on nicely toasted sourdough and finish with a pinch of chilli flakes and salt, and you’ve got a gourmet brunch that’s ready in less time than it takes to find a ripe avocado.”
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