Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe

This Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe is a zesty and vibrant recipe, which features tender red bliss potatoes and sweet pearl onions. It’s the perfect spring side dish, ready in about 40 minutes.

Jump to Recipe

Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe Ingredients

The Potato Base

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds red bliss potatoes
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

The Vegetable Mixture

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (10-ounce) box frozen pearl onions, defrosted
• Pinch of sugar
• Splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 5 slices lemon
• 2 (10-ounce) boxes frozen peas, defrosted
• 1 lemon, zested

The Fresh Finish

• 1/4 cup roughly chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 2 heaping tablespoons roughly chopped fresh dill
• 1 bunch watercress, stems trimmed just above the rubber band

How To Make Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe

1. Boil the potatoes: Put the potatoes into a large pot, cover them with cold water, and add a large pinch of salt. If the potatoes are very large, cut them in half first. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender, about 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Peel and Smash: Drain the potatoes. Stick a fork into the potatoes one at a time to lift them out, and carefully peel the skin off with a paring knife while they are still warm. Toss the peeled potatoes into a large bowl and roughly crush them with a fork or potato masher (do not mash until smooth; leave them chunky). Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil with the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the butter melts. Add the defrosted pearl onions, pinch of sugar, and a splash of lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions are browned and caramelized, about 5 to 6 minutes.
4. Add peas and citrus: Add the fresh lemon slices, defrosted peas, and lemon zest to the onions. Continue cooking just until the peas are hot and the lemon slices soften slightly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper.
5. Combine: Dump the hot vegetable mixture over the smashed potatoes in the bowl. Drizzle with a little more extra-virgin olive oil. Add the chopped parsley and fresh dill. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
6. Finish with greens: Scatter the trimmed watercress over the top. Fold it in gently just until it wilts slightly from the residual heat. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

• Peeling Technique: Peeling hot potatoes can be tricky. Using a fork to hold the potato saves your fingers from burning. The skin of Red Bliss potatoes is thin, so it slips off easily when boiled.
• Why Pearl Onions? Frozen pearl onions are a massive time saver. Peeling fresh pearl onions is labor-intensive. Ensure they are fully defrosted and patted dry so they brown rather than steam in the butter.
• Smashed vs. Mashed: The goal here is texture. You want chunks of potato that can hold up to the peas and onions, not a smooth puree. Just break them open.
• Lemon Slices: Cooking the lemon slices softens the rind and mellows the bitterness, making the whole slice edible and delicious. Be sure to remove any seeds before adding them to the pan.
• Watercress: Watercress adds a peppery bite that cuts through the starch. If you add it too early, it will turn into a slimy mess. Fold it in at the very last second.

What To Serve With Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe

This bright, herbaceous dish pairs perfectly with spring favorites.

• Roast Lamb: A classic Easter pairing.
• Baked Salmon: The lemon and dill complement seafood beautifully.
• Roast Chicken: A simple lemon-herb chicken.
• Grilled Steak: A lighter alternative to heavy mashed potatoes.

How To Store Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain some texture. Microwaving works but will wilt the watercress completely.
• Freeze: This dish does not freeze well. The potatoes will become grainy, and the watercress and peas will become mushy upon thawing.

Smashed New Potatoes with Peas, Lemon, and Pearl Onions Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving (based on 6 servings).

FAQs