Molly’s Mushy Peas

Ooh, these are easily the most excellent when it comes to mushy peas for “Fish ‘n’ Chips”

The peas used should be the dried marrowfat ones, the best ones we have found in the UK are Bachelors Bigga Marrowfat Peas but really most brands will make excellent mushy peas.

They are a traditional northern English accompaniment to fish and chips and all over Northern England, they are commonly served as part of the popular snack of pie and peas (akin to the Australian pie floater, but with mushy peas instead of a thick pea soup) and are considered a part of traditional British cuisine. Mushy peas are also sometimes served in batter as a pea fritter.

Marrowfat peas can also be bought in canned, the most popular brand is “Farrow’s Giant Marrowfat Processed Peas”, these can be used as a substitute for mushy peas.

• Serves / Makes: 4

• Prep-Time: 12 hours

• Cook-Time: 2 hours

The Glens Tags: Mushy Peas, Lancashire, Traditional

You Will Need;

1. 8 ounces, dried marrowfat peas (see note)
2. 1-teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
3. 1¼ ounce, butter
4. Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method:

• Soak the peas in a large bowl, in three times their volume of water with the bicarbonate of soda overnight at least 12 hours
• Drain the peas, rinse under the tap, and place on the stove in a large pan and cover with water, (about an inch or so above the peas). Cover and bring to the boil and once boiled, reduce the heat and simmer the peas for 1½-2 hours, stirring from time to time, part way through check the top of the cooking liquid and skim off any foam
• The peas should be soft and mushy in texture but not too dry. If they are wet, continue cooking over the heat with the lid off to dry out a little. Beat in the butter and season, season only at the end, as if you do so before that the peas will be tough.
• Add a little water to the mixture to loosen the mushy peas to the consistency you like.
• Mushy peas freeze well.

If you live in America and Canada and don't want to wait overnight or can't find dried marrowfat peas, just use drained canned marrowfat peas mashed with a knob of butter, and seasoned.

Note; Marrowfat peas are green mature peas that have been allowed to dry out naturally in the field, rather than be harvested in their prime of youth like the normal garden pea. They are used to make Mushy Peas.