Easy Mushy Peas Recipe
Learn how to make this traditional English and Irish side dish for fish and chips or a meat pie. This delicious and healthy vegetarian dish can be customized to your taste with mint, cream, or lemon juice.
Servings: 9 cups
Calories: 168kcal
Ingredients
- 4½ cups dried marrowfat peas or 4 cups green split peas
- 2 tablespoons baking soda bicarbonate of soda
- 8 cups water
- 5½ cups filtered water
- 2¼ teaspoons salt or more to taste
- 1½ teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
- Place the dried marrowfats in a large Dutch oven and sprinkle the baking soda on top. Pour in 8 cups of boiling water and stir, then cover and let stand at room temperature for about 12 hours. (You can go up to 24 hours if you'd like.)
- Drain the marrowfats in a large colander, making sure to rinse them very thoroughly to remove the baking soda. They still will have a somewhat bitter flavor from the baking soda, but this will go away once they are cooked.
- Return them to the Dutch oven and cover with filtered water (about 5½ cups). Stir in the salt and pepper, then cover.
- Set the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a simmer, then turn down the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peas are thick and mushy. Skim off any foam or loosened skins, and be careful not to overcook, or they will not be as chunky.
- Leave them plain, and serve hot with a variety of toppings, such as lemon wedges, cream, butter, mint sauce, and malt vinegar. Mushy peas also taste great alongside fish and chips or meat pies.
Notes
- In a hurry? Use frozen green ones instead of the dried ones and use less water.
- For a thicker version, use less water and cook for less time.
- Serving with fish and chips? Stir ⅓ cup (78 ml) of heavy cream and a few tablespoons of salted butter into the pot.
- Want a minty version? Stir in mint sauce to taste and fresh chopped mint leaves.
- Tangy version? Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste.
- Freeze leftovers in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 681mg | Potassium: 485mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 2mg
