Mushy peas are a delightful side dish that brings a touch of comfort to any meal. This simple recipe is a staple in British cuisine and pairs well with many main courses.
Why Make Mushy Peas
Making mushy peas is an excellent choice for several reasons. They are:
- Quick to prepare
- Packed with nutrients
- Versatile and can complement various dishes
How to Make Mushy Peas
Creating mushy peas is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s how you can whip up this traditional dish:
Ingredients:
- Fresh peas
- Butter
- Cream
- Salt
- Pepper
- Mint (optional)
Directions:
- In a pot, boil the fresh peas in salted water until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Drain the peas and return them to the pot.
- Add butter, cream, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Mash the peas roughly with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
- Stir in chopped mint if using.
- Serve warm as a side dish with fish and chips.
How to Serve Mushy Peas
Mushy peas are best served warm. You can enjoy them alongside classic dishes such as:
- Fish and chips
- Bangers and mash
- Roast meats
Their creamy texture adds richness to any plate!
How to Store Mushy Peas
If you have leftovers, you can store mushy peas easily:
- Place them in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Tips to Make Mushy Peas
Here are some tips to enhance your mushy peas:
- Use fresh peas for the best taste.
- Adjust cream and butter based on your preference for creaminess.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty twist.
Variation
For a twist on the traditional recipe, try adding:
- Garlic for extra flavor
- Cheese for a richer texture
- Lemon zest for brightness
FAQs
How long do I cook the peas?
Boil the peas until tender, which takes about 3-5 minutes.
Can I use frozen peas instead?
Yes, frozen peas work well! Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Where can I buy fresh peas?
You can find fresh peas at most grocery stores or farmers’ markets. Buy it here for convenience!
Mushy peas are a simple yet satisfying dish that can enhance your meals in many ways. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the comforting taste!
Maryland Crab Soup
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 small carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1.5 teaspoons dry mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For the Soup
- 4 cups vegetable or seafood stock (homemade or store-bought, or even water)
- 1 pound red potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 14-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1 14-ounce can tomato sauce
- 4 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound crab meat (preferably ½ pound crab claw meat and ½ pound jumbo lump crab meat)
- 1 cup frozen corn (defrosted, or 1 ear corn, shucked, kernels removed)
- 1 cup frozen peas (defrosted)
- to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrots start to soften, about 10 minutes.
Cooking
- Add the Old Bay seasoning, Italian seasoning, dry mustard, and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for another 2 minutes.
- Pour in the stock and add the red potatoes, crushed whole tomatoes with their juices, and the tomato sauce.
- Scrape the bottom of the pot to deglaze. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are almost soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add the green beans and let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until they're tender.
- Finally, stir in the crab meat, corn, and peas. Cook until everything is heated through, around 5 more minutes.
- Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, and serve!
