Breaded mushy pea fritters are a delightful fusion of texture and flavour, making them a perfect appetiser or side dish. This dish boasts creamy, flavourful peas encased in a crispy golden breadcrumb shell. It's delightfully simple to prepare and can add a touch of sophistication to any meal. So let's dive into this delicious and easy-to-make breaded mushy pea fritters recipe.
Ingredients
- 300g frozen peas
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 50g breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 50g grated cheddar cheese
- 50g plain flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice and fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the diced potato. Cook until tender, approximately 10 minutes. Add the frozen peas in the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Drain the peas and potatoes, and place them in a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher to mash them roughly, leaving some chunks for texture.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and cheese, mixing well.
- In another bowl, beat the egg and set aside. Place the flour and breadcrumbs in separate shallow dishes.
- Shape the pea mixture into small patties. For best results, aim for about the size of your palm.
- Dip each patty into the flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure each fritter is evenly coated.
- Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a frying pan. Fry the fritters over medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Squeeze some lemon juice over the fritters and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Fritters
1. Consistency: Ensure that the pea mixture is not too wet, as it needs to hold its shape during the breading process. If the mixture feels too loose, consider adding a bit more flour to bind it together.
2. Breadcrumb Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different types of breadcrumbs for extra flavour or texture: panko, Italian-style, or even crushed cornflakes can offer unique results.
3. Add Some Spice: For a bit of heat, you can incorporate a small amount of finely chopped chilli or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the pea mixture.
4. Alternative Cooking Methods: For a healthier take, you can bake the fritters in the oven at 200°C for about 12-15 minutes or air-fry them for a similar result.
Serving Suggestions
These fritters pair wonderfully with a side of tangy tartar sauce or smooth yoghurt dip. They also make a great addition to a spread of finger foods at gatherings or work beautifully as a vegetarian main when served alongside a fresh green salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Mushy pea fritters tick all the boxes for a great dish. They're economical and can be made with pantry staples. The combination of green peas and cheese makes them suitable for both children and adults, delivering a satisfying crunch and a comforting taste. Plus, they are wonderfully versatile — altered effortlessly to accommodate various dietary needs or preferences.