Easy Nando’s Macho Peas Recipe (15-Minute Copycat)

Make easy homemade Nando’s Macho Peas with peas, mint, parsley, and chili. This quick 15-minute copycat recipe is the perfect flavorful side dish to serve with rice, chicken, grilled vegetables, or warm pita bread.

On my last visit to Lisbon, I ended up at Nando’s, the Portuguese restaurant chain famous for its peri peri chicken. Although I do not visit often, one surprisingly simple side dish immediately grabbed my attention — the famous Nando’s Macho Peas.

After a long day walking through the city, the combination of buttery peas, fresh herbs, and gentle chili heat was exactly what I needed. My husband and I immediately set out to figure out how the dish was made and quickly realized we could easily recreate it at home. This homemade version tastes just like the original and comes together with only a handful of simple ingredients.

What Are Nando’s Macho Peas?

Nando’s Macho Peas are one of the restaurant’s most popular side dishes. Made with partially mashed green peas, fresh mint, parsley, butter, and chili, they are creamy, herby, slightly spicy, and surprisingly flavorful for such a simple dish.

This vegetarian side dish can be served alongside peri peri chicken, rice, grilled vegetables, or enjoyed on its own as a light meal or snack.

It is one of those simple side dishes that does not look exciting at first, but somehow disappears from the table first every time.

Copycat Nandos Macho Peas Ingredients

Peas

You can use fresh, frozen, or canned green peas, although frozen peas work best for both texture and convenience. I like using garden peas because they are slightly larger and create the chunky texture similar to the original Nando’s version.

Avoid using petit pois, which are small, softer, and sweeter small and better used to make Green Pea Salad.

Mint

Fresh mint is what gives these macho peas their signature flavor. I would not use dried mint here because it just does not taste the same.

Parsley

Fresh parsley adds a clean, slightly peppery flavor and gives the dish a vibrant, herby finish.

Chili pepper

Chili adds gentle heat and extra flavor to the peas.

For a milder version, use jalapeño pepper. If you prefer more spice, serrano pepper adds a stronger kick. You can also use red chili flakes instead of fresh chili.

Butter

Butter helps create the creamy texture that makes these peas so comforting and flavorful. Both salted and unsalted butter work well.

Olive oil

I used a good quality extra virgin olive oil. But you can use infused oil with flavors, like this chive oil.

Salt and Black Pepper

Season to taste. Freshly ground black pepper works especially well here.

Easy Macho Peas Recipe

This recipe comes together in less than 15 minutes and is incredibly easy to make.

First step: Cook the peas

Bring a small saucepan of water to a boil and cook the peas according to the package instructions. Frozen peas usually need about 3 minutes.

Second step: Drain and divide

Drain the peas using a colander, then divide them into two halves. Place one half into a bowl and keep the remaining peas in the saucepan.

Third step: Mash the peas

Add the butter and a drizzle of olive oil to the bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the peas until slightly creamy but still chunky.

Fourth step: Add the herbs

Finely chop the fresh mint, parsley, and chili, then stir them into the mashed peas.

Fifth step: Combine and serve

Add the mashed pea mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining whole peas and mix everything together. Serve warm as a side dish with chicken, rice, grilled vegetables, or pita bread.

What to do with leftover macho peas ?

Macho Peas taste best freshly made, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

You can reheat them gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold straight from the fridge. I actually like adding leftover macho peas to wraps or grain bowls the next day.

Can I freeze the homemade Macho Peas?

If you used frozen or canned peas, I would not recommend freezing them again after cooking.

However, if you made the recipe with fresh peas, you can freeze the finished dish for later.

Let the peas cool completely, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months.

How to Make Vegan Macho Peas?

For a vegan version, simply replace the butter with vegan butter or use a little extra olive oil instead.

What Do Nando’s Macho Peas Taste Like?

Nando’s Macho Peas are creamy, fresh, slightly buttery, and lightly spicy. The mint and parsley give them a bright herby flavor that makes them taste much more interesting than ordinary peas.

Why You’ll Love This Macho Peas Copycat Recipe?

• Great way to use frozen peas
• Ready in about 15 minutes
• Made with simple ingredients
• Full of fresh mint and parsley flavor
• Easy side dish for chicken, rice, or grilled vegetables
• Naturally vegetarian

Serving suggestions

Macho peas are the perfect side dish to accompany main courses. Serve them alongside baked chicken cutlets, steak, fish, or any protein of your choice. They also pair well with vegetarian meals like these cheesy mashed potatoes.

If you want to recreate a Nando’s experience at home, serve the Macho Peas alongside other Nando’s-inspired dishes. Prepare Nandos Peri Peri Chicken, spicy rice, and a fresh salad to complete the meal.

Include the Macho Peas as part of a tapas or sharing platter. Arrange them alongside other small bites like olives, hummus, pita bread, and grilled vegetables. 

Get creative and use the Macho Peas as a topping or mix-in for other dishes. For example, sprinkle them over salads, stuff them into wraps, or incorporate them into rice or grain bowls for an added flavor.

Serve the Macho Peas as a standalone snack or appetizer. Place them in a small bowl or dish and enjoy them with toothpicks or small forks. They make a tasty and nutritious bite-sized treat.

Tips for the Best Macho Peas at home

• Do not overcook the peas or they will lose their bright color.
• Keep some peas whole for the best texture.
• Fresh mint makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Add chili gradually if you are sensitive to spice.
• A squeeze of lemon at the end brightens everything up.