Broad Bean & Mint Mash
Broad Bean & Mint Mash, often called 'Mushy Peas' in the UK, is a classic British side dish made from cooked broad beans (fava beans) mashed with fresh mint, butter, and sometimes a splash of cream or lemon juice. It's a staple accompaniment to fish and chips, pies, and other pub fare, particularly in Northern England and Scotland. The dish has humble origins as a simple, hearty way to enjoy seasonal beans.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is a good source of plant-based protein and dietary fibre, making it quite filling and nutritionally dense. A typical serving provides a moderate amount of complex carbohydrates and is rich in vitamins like folate and minerals such as iron and potassium, with a calorie count roughly in the 150-200 kcal range.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbs | 22 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Folate | 180 µg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Potassium | 480 mg |
| Magnesium | 55 mg |
| Vitamin C | 15 mg |
| Vitamin K | 25 µg |
| Zinc | 2 mg |
| Manganese | 1.2 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, this mash is a beloved part of British 'chippy' (fish and chip shop) tradition, often served as a bright green, textured alternative to chips. Nutritionally, broad beans are one of the oldest cultivated legumes, and pairing them with mint not only adds fresh flavour but can also aid digestion.
