Glorified English Peas Recipes

EASY TRADITIONAL BRITISH MUSHY PEAS

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Place the peas in a large bowl or stockpot; they need plenty of room to expand. Add the baking soda and cover with 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until the baking soda dissolves.
• Let the peas soak for a minimum of 12 hours.
• Drain and rinse the peas well in a colander, then transfer them to a large pot.
• Cover the peas with cold water (about 2 cups) and bring them to a boil.
• Lower the heat and simmer the peas uncovered for approximately 30 minutes or until they soften and turn mushy.
• Season the peas with salt and pepper to taste. Add the optional sugar if you prefer them slightly sweeter, heavy cream or milk to give them a fluffier texture, or butter for flavor. You can also smash them with a fork for a smoother texture, or run them through the food processor if you prefer a puree.
• Serve the mushy peas hot with fish and chips or a tasty meat pie. Enjoy.

TRADITIONAL BRITISH MUSHY PEAS

Steps:

• Put the split green peas in a large pot with the baking soda and enough water to cover the peas four times over. Cover and allow to rehydrate in the fridge overnight.
• Drain the peas in a colander and rinse with cold water to remove any lingering baking soda.
• Return the peas to the pan and cover with cold water by 1/2-inch. Add some salt, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. During the simmering, discard any pea foam that forms on top using a slotted spoon. The peas are done cooking once they just lose their bite, 30 to 40 minutes. Overcooking results in soup, which isn't what we're going for.
• Remove from the heat, add the butter and stir to fully incorporate. Taste and add more salt if required.
• Serve immediately with fish and chips, or cool and store for up to 3 days.

GLORIFIED ENGLISH PEAS

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients together.
• Bake at 325 degrees for about 30 minutes.

ENGLISH PEAS WITH MINT

Steps:

• Sauté the spring onion in two tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the shelled peas, a pinch of salt, and enough water to barely cover. Cook over high heat for 2 minutes, then add the torn mint leaves. Continue cooking until the peas are tender, a few more minutes. Check for seasoning, and add more salt if needed.

ENGLISH PEAS WITH GRILLED LITTLE GEMS, GREEN GARLIC AND MINT

Steps:

• Prepare a wood or charcoal grill for direct-heat grilling, or use a grill pan on top of the stove. Trim the tops of the green garlic where the leaves begin to branch out. Peel an outside layer of the stalks and slice thinly on the bias. Or very thinly slice the garlic cloves. Set aside.
• Cut the lettuce in quarters lengthwise and brush all over with olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Place the lettuce cut-side down on the grill and cook until it has darkish grill marks, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip lettuce quarters to the other cut side and grill for another couple of minutes, then grill on the leafy side briefly. Remove from grill when done.
• Heat 1 cup water, a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt in a large skillet over high heat. When the liquid is at a roaring boil, add the peas and garlic and cook, tasting often for seasoning and adding more water as needed, 3 to 8 minutes, or until the peas are just tender. Add the mint leaves and cook 1 minute. The goal is to have just enough water at the end of the cooking time to emulsify with the oil and thicken slightly.
• To serve, spread the lettuce on a platter and pour the peas and their minty, garlicky juices over it. Serve with grilled chicken, roast duck or by itself.

SWEET ENGLISH PEAS

Steps:

• Cook peas in a small amount of boiling, salted water, until tender (if using frozen peas, follow package instructions).
• Drain, and set aside.
• In another saucepan, heat the butter, and add the peas, mint and sugar.
• Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, tossing to mix.
• Add salt and pepper to taste, and serve.