The Chippy Tour: A History of Mushy Peas

Mushy peas have a long and storied history, especially in the United Kingdom. Here's a brief overview of the history of mushy peas:

Origin: Mushy peas are believed to have originated in the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern England. The dish was initially made using marrowfat peas, which are mature green peas that have been allowed to dry naturally on the plant.

Traditional Accompaniment: Mushy peas have long been a popular accompaniment to traditional British dishes, especially fish and chips. They were commonly served in chippies, where they complemented the fried fish and chips perfectly.

Processing: Creating mushy peas involves soaking dried marrowfat peas overnight and then simmering them until they become soft and mushy. They are often flavoured with a bit of mint for added taste.

Variations: While the traditional mushy peas are made from dried marrowfat peas, some variations use garden peas or processed peas, which are more readily available and easier to prepare.

Cultural Significance: Mushy peas have become a beloved part of British cuisine and culture. They are often enjoyed at fairs, picnics, and seaside outings. In some regions, they are even served with pies or as a side dish with roast dinners.

Modern Uses: Today, mushy peas are not limited to chippies but can also be found in cans and served as a side dish at home or in restaurants. They are sometimes used in pies, stews, and other dishes, adding a unique texture and flavour.

Regional Variations: Different regions in the UK have their variations of mushy peas. For example, in the North East of England, a dish called "pease pudding" is similar to mushy peas made from split yellow peas.

In summary, mushy peas have a rich history in British cuisine and have evolved from a simple side dish to a beloved staple in the UK's culinary traditions. They continue to be enjoyed in various forms and remain a classic accompaniment to many British meals, particularly fish and chips.

If you plan on making your mushy peas at home, try my Minted Mushy Peas recipe, as mint was a perfect additive and still is in many places.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried marrowfat peas (or you can use garden peas)

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 5 fresh mint leaves

Instructions:

Soak the Peas:

If you're using dried marrowfat peas, soak them overnight in plenty of cold water. This helps rehydrate the peas and reduces cooking time. If you're using garden peas, you can skip this step.

Cook the Peas:

Drain and rinse the soaked peas (if using dried marrowfat peas). Place them in a saucepan and cover them with fresh water. Bring to a boil.

Add Mint Leaves:

Once the water is boiling, add the fresh mint leaves to the peas. Mint is a traditional flavouring for mushy peas and adds a refreshing taste.

Simmer:

Reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for about 30-40 minutes (or until they are very soft and mushy). They will cook faster using garden peas, typically in 15-20 minutes.

Mash the Peas:

Drain the cooked peas (reserving some cooking liquid) and remove the mint leaves. Use a potato masher or a blender to mash the peas to your desired consistency. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved cooking liquid to reach the desired consistency.

Season:

Season the mushy peas with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve:

Mushy peas are typically served hot as a side dish with fish and chips.

Feel free to adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences. Mushy peas are a versatile side dish that pairs well with various main courses.