Skip Avocados: Spread This Cheaper Vegetable On Toast For A Fresh, Flavorful Breakfast

As a millennial, of course I love avocado toast. That being said, avocados can get pretty expensive, and they're not exactly the most convenient thing to keep on hand when I'm the only one in the house who enjoys them. When you run out of avocados — or you're simply tired of shelling out for them — you have another high-fiber, high-protein option: peas. To make smashed pea toast, simply give your peas a mash, spread them on well-toasted bread, and sprinkle with your favorite toppings (the combination has been popular for ages in the U.K.).

There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind when you're making smashed pea toast. If you're using canned peas, you'll want to drain excess liquid to ensure that you don't end up with a soggy piece of bread beneath. Canned vegetables tend to have more sodium than their frozen counterparts, so be sure to taste as you season so you don't overdo it. Frozen peas, meanwhile, simply need to be heated and they're ready to mash. You can certainly use fresh peas if you're able to get your hands on them, but they turn starchy fast (Bobby Flay even prefers frozen peas over fresh peas most of the time), so don't worry if you aren't able to find a fresh version for your toast. Let's take a look at some ways you can top this treat off to make it just as tasty as avocado toast.

To elevate the flavor of smashed pea toast, you can use many of the same ideas you'd use to load avocado toast up with flavor. You can mix some seasonings directly in with the peas as you give them a mash. Try mixing in some lemon zest, black pepper, and garlic to add depth and brightness. On top of your toast, try adding pickled onions for sweetness and acidity. You can also add a bit of feta cheese for a salty twist. Of course, avocado toast shines with a heavy sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning, and the blend works well with peas, too. You can also amp up the protein by adding a fried or scrambled egg to the top of your toast.

If you want to add a bit of spice, try hitting your toast with a drizzle of homemade or store-bought chili crisp (use a light hand if you're not used to the stuff — it can add quite a kick). You can also sprinkle it with chili flakes or shake on a bit of your favorite hot sauce. No matter how you dress it up, smashed pea toast is a great replacement when you (or your wallet) want a break from the avocado version.