How To Make Chip Shop MUSHY PEAS For National Mushy Pea Day! My Favourite Holiday!

How To Make Chip Shop MUSHY PEAS For National Mushy Pea Day! My Favourite Holiday! is a easy British recipe that serves 4. 412 calories per serving. Recipe by The Teesside Chef on YouTube.

Prep: 12 min | Cook: 62 min | Total: 1 hr 29 min

Cost: $1.05 total, $0.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 500 grams Dried Peas (soak overnight with baking soda)
  • 1 tablespoon Baking Soda (heaped tablespoon; helps soften peas during soak)
  • as needed liters Water (cold water for soaking; boiling water for cooking)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (add near the end of cooking; adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Soak Peas Overnight

    Place 500 g dried peas in a bowl, add a heaped tablespoon of baking soda, cover with plenty of cold water and stir. Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let soak overnight (8‑12 hours).

    Time: PT5M

  2. Drain and Rinse

    The next morning, pour the peas into a colander, discard the soaking water and rinse the peas thoroughly under running water.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Boiling Water

    Bring a kettle of water to a rolling boil. Transfer the drained peas to a large saucepan and pour the boiling water over them until the water level is about 1‑1.5 inches above the peas.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Simmer Gently

    Place the saucepan on low heat, bring to a gentle simmer, cover with a lid and cook for 45‑60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.

    Time: PT55M

    Temperature: 90°C

  5. Season with Salt

    When the peas are soft (test with a fork), add 1 teaspoon of salt and stir. Taste and add more salt if desired, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes to let the seasoning absorb.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low

  6. Adjust Consistency

    If the peas look too thick, add a splash of hot water and stir until you reach a smooth, slightly thick but spoon‑able consistency.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Serve

    Serve the mushy peas warm alongside chips, fish, or as a side to any British comfort meal.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
412
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
62g
Fat
1.3g
Fiber
17.5g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Allergens: Peas

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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How To Make Chip Shop MUSHY PEAS For National Mushy Pea Day! My Favourite Holiday!

Recipe by The Teesside Chef

A classic British chip shop style mushy peas made from dried peas soaked with baking soda, simmered gently and lightly salted. Perfect for National Mushy Peas Day or as a comforting vegan side dish.

EasyBritishServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
9m
Prep
1h 5m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 24m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$1.05
Total cost
$0.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soak dried peas overnight with baking soda
  • Do not add salt until peas are fully softened
  • Simmer gently with lid on to avoid over‑cooking
  • Stir occasionally to prevent peas from sticking

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot saucepan.
  • Add boiling water slowly to prevent splashing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of chip shop mushy peas in British cuisine?

A

Mushy peas have been a staple of British fish‑and‑chip shops since the early 20th century, originally made from dried marrowfat peas. They are a comforting, inexpensive side that symbolizes the classic seaside snack and is celebrated on National Mushy Peas Day each November.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of mushy peas exist within the United Kingdom?

A

In Scotland, mushy peas are often served with a splash of malt vinegar, while in the North of England some chip shops add a pinch of food‑colouring for a brighter green. Some coastal towns also mix a little mint for a fresh twist.

cultural
Q

How are chip shop mushy peas traditionally served in British fish‑and‑chip shops?

A

They are typically spooned into a small paper or plastic cup and placed alongside battered fish and thick‑cut chips. The peas are served warm, lightly salted, and sometimes topped with a drizzle of malt vinegar or a dash of pepper.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is chip shop mushy peas traditionally associated with in British culture?

A

Mushy peas are a regular part of a traditional British takeaway meal, but they also feature in seaside festivals, football match gatherings, and on National Mushy Peas Day (the second Friday of November) where fans celebrate the humble side.

cultural
Q

How does chip shop mushy peas fit into the broader British comfort food tradition?

A

Mushy peas embody the British love of simple, hearty, plant‑based sides that complement fried foods. Their creamy texture and mild flavor balance the salty crispness of chips and fish, making them an essential component of the classic British comfort plate.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for chip shop mushy peas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic mushy peas use dried marrow‑fat peas, baking soda for soaking, and plain salt for seasoning. Acceptable modern substitutes include using frozen peas (though texture differs) or adding a pinch of spinach for colour, but traditionalists avoid food‑colouring and dairy additives.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with chip shop mushy peas?

A

Mushy peas pair perfectly with battered fish (like cod or haddock), steak‑and‑kidney pie, sausage rolls, and of course the classic chips. They also complement a full English breakfast when served alongside baked beans and grilled tomatoes.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chip shop mushy peas at home?

A

Common errors include adding salt too early (which can toughen the skins), cooking the peas on high heat causing them to break apart, and not soaking the peas long enough. Also, forgetting to stir can lead to the peas sticking and burning at the bottom.

technical
Q

Why does this chip shop mushy peas recipe use baking soda during the soak instead of plain water alone?

A

Baking soda raises the pH of the soaking water, which softens the pea skins more quickly and helps the peas swell to double their weight. This results in a smoother, creamier mash without the need for prolonged cooking.

technical
Q

Can I make chip shop mushy peas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can cook the peas a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if they have thickened.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel The Teesside Chef specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel The Teesside Chef focuses on British comfort food, regional specialties, and practical home‑cooking tutorials with a humorous, down‑to‑earth style.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel The Teesside Chef's approach to British cooking differ from other UK cooking channels?

A

The Teesside Chef blends traditional recipes with witty commentary and often highlights the cultural backstory of dishes, whereas many other UK channels prioritize polished production values over storytelling.

channel

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