Traditional British Mushy Peas Recipes

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.

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.

BRITISH MUSHY PEAS (USING REGULAR SPRING PEAS)

Steps:

• Heat some water in a saucepan to boiling, then add the peas and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
• Drain, but save about 200 ml of the cooking water.
• Puree in a blender ( or use a stick blender) with butter, mint leaves, salt & pepper to taste, and some of the reserved cooking liquid (adding as much or as little as you feel you need - you want it kind of pasty and gloppy, like loose mashed potatoes).
• Leave a few chunks. Test for seasoning and adjust as needed.
• Reheat gently in saucepan if needed.