Mashed Peas
By the QuiteRecipes team (Jamy & Kaïna) | Food Service Professional, Early Childhood Expert & Parents
Learn how to make a sweet, nutrient-rich mashed peas recipe for your baby. A vibrant, protein-packed first food rich in fiber and vitamins.
Bright, naturally sweet, and quietly packed with plant-based protein and fiber, peas are a first food that does heavy lifting. Blend them smooth and they turn a vivid green puree that babies usually love on sight. A freezer staple that makes dinner in minutes.
🥄 Ingredients
- 🫗 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas (thawed if frozen)
- 🫗 1 to 2 tsp breast milk, formula, or low-sodium vegetable broth (for thinning)
Nutrition Facts*
*Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients, brands and portion sizes. Values are provided per serving.
👨🍳 Instructions
Place the fresh or thawed green peas in a small saucepan with a splash of water, or put them in a steamer basket.
Steam or boil gently for 4 to 5 minutes until the peas are completely tender and soft.
Drain any excess water.
Transfer the cooked peas to a bowl and mash them thoroughly with a fork, or blend them in a food processor if you prefer a silkier texture.
If the mash is too thick, stir in a small amount of breast milk, formula, or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Let it cool down to a safe, lukewarm temperature before serving.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕
Serving whole, round peas to an infant, which presents a major choking hazard. Peas must always be squashed, mashed, or pureed.
- ✕
Overcooking the peas until they lose their bright green color and fresh flavor.
🔄 Variations
Minty Fresh: Add a tiny single leaf of fresh mint to the steaming water for a subtle, aromatic flavor profile.
Potato & Pea Blend: Mix the mashed peas with an equal amount of plain mashed potato for a creamier, more filling texture.
🧊 Storage
- 📦
Fridge: Store leftover mashed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
- 📦
Freezer: Freeze in portions using an ice cube tray for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
💡 Chef Tips
For very young babies who struggle with the thin skin of peas, you can push the mashed peas through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the skins, resulting in a completely smooth texture.
Frozen peas are picked and frozen at peak ripeness, making them just as nutritious (and often sweeter) than fresh peas.
❓ FAQ
Are peas a good source of protein for babies? Yes, peas are surprisingly high in plant-based protein and fiber, making them an excellent nutritional boost for growing infants.
Do I have to remove the skin? It is optional. Older babies handle the skins fine once mashed, but younger infants may prefer sieved peas to avoid getting tiny skin flakes stuck in their throat.
Can I mix peas with other foods? Absolutely! Mashed peas mix wonderfully into grains, purees, or soft mashes like potato or sweet potato.
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About the Authors
This recipe and guide was developed, tested, and approved in our home kitchen and daily life. Jamy is a retired Food Service District Manager and Early Childhood Program Manager who spent his career overseeing multi-site restaurant operations, large-scale culinary production, and daycare menu management. Kaïna brings the ultimate real-world test: making sure it brings ease and joy to our kids on a busy weeknight.
Read more about our professional background and philosophy →