british mushy peas recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best british mushy peas recipe

I’m thrilled to share with you my family’s favorite British mushy peas recipe. This classic dish has been a staple in our household for years, and I’m excited to pass it down to you. Where do I even begin?

The origins of mushy peas date back to the UK, where they were a popular side dish in pubs and restaurants. The name ‘mushy’ refers to the texture of the peas, which are cooked until they’re soft and slightly mashed. The dish is typically served alongside traditional British fare like fish and chips or bangers and mash.

As a mom, I love that this recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. My kids adore helping me cook the peas in a large pot until they’re tender, then mashing them with butter and salt. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that never fails to put smiles on our faces.

Whether we’re having a family dinner or just need a comforting meal, mushy peas are always a good idea. In fact, I often joke that if I could serve one dish at every family gathering, it would be mushy peas. There’s just something special about the way the peas melt in your mouth, releasing their sweet flavor.

I’ve experimented with various seasonings over the years, but the classic recipe remains my top choice. For me, there’s no better way to enjoy mushy peas than with a warm plate of fish and chips on a chilly evening.

British Mushy Peas

4.9 from 1624 votes

British Mushy Peas is a traditional side dish made from dried marrowfat peas. It is creamy and comforting, perfect for pairing with fish and chips or a Sunday roast.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

200g dried marrowfat peas
1 tsp salt
1 bay leaf
1 small onion, quartered
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried peas in a large bowl and cover with cold water.
2Let them soak overnight.
3This step is crucial for reducing cooking time and ensuring the peas cook evenly.
4Drain the soaked peas using a colander and transfer them to a saucepan.
5Add the bay leaf, onion, and cover with fresh water.
6Bring to a boil over high heat.
7Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the peas simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the peas are tender and easily crushed between your fingers.
8Drain the peas again, reserving some of the cooking liquid.
9Remove the bay leaf and onion.
10Return the peas to the saucepan and add the butter and vegetable oil.
11Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the peas are well coated.
12Gradually add the milk to the peas, stirring continuously.
13Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
14If the peas are too thick, add a little of the reserved cooking liquid to reach your desired consistency.
15Season with salt and pepper to taste.
16For a smooth consistency, transfer the peas to a blender and blend until smooth.
17Alternatively, use a potato masher to mash the peas to your desired texture.
18Serve the mushy peas warm, alongside your favorite British dishes.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Saucepan
Colander
Blender or potato masher
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 10g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 500mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can substitute vegetable stock for water when soaking and cooking the peas. You can also add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if the peas taste too starchy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How British Mushy Peas Works

In conclusion, this British mushy peas recipe is an absolute winner in our household! Not only does it require minimal ingredients, but it’s also incredibly easy to make.

My kids adore helping me cook the peas until they’re tender, then mashing them with butter and salt. And let’s not forget about the health benefits – mushy peas are packed with fiber and vitamins from the fresh vegetables used in this recipe!

We love serving these tasty little green balls alongside traditional British fare like fish and chips or bangers and mash.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About British Mushy Peas

1.

Q: What type of peas are best for mushy peas?
A: You can use either marrowfat or garden peas for this recipe. Marrowfat peas have a higher starch content, making them more suitable for mushy peas.

2.

Q: How long do I need to cook the peas?
A: Cooking time will depend on the type of peas you use. Generally, marrowfat peas take longer to cook than garden peas. You want to cook them until they’re soft and slightly mashed.

3.

Q: Can I make mushy peas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the mushy pea mixture ahead of time by cooking the peas and then refrigerating or freezing them until ready to serve.

4.

Q: Do I need to add any specific seasonings?
A: Traditionally, mushy peas are seasoned with butter and salt only. However, some people like to add a pinch of sugar or other herbs for added flavor.

5.

Q: Can I serve mushy peas as a main course?
A: While mushy peas are typically served as a side dish, you can certainly make them into a main course by adding protein sources like bacon or sausage.

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