Mushy Peas – The ONLY WAY which is Acceptable – without Marrowfat peas!

Mushy Peas – The ONLY WAY which is Acceptable – without Marrowfat peas! is a medium British recipe that serves 8. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Backyard Chef on YouTube.

Prep: 12 hrs 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 13 hrs 15 min

Cost: $3.65 total, $0.46 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Green Split Peas (dried, rinsed before soaking)
  • 2 tablespoons Baking Soda (helps soften peas during soak)
  • 1 tablespoon Salt (regular table salt)
  • 1 tablespoon Granulated Sugar (balances flavor, optional)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces, adds richness)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Mint Leaves (finely chopped)
  • 2 liters Water (enough to cover peas by ~2 inches, add more as needed)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the Split Peas

    Place the green split peas in a fine mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water, discarding any debris or discolored peas.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Soak Peas with Baking Soda

    Transfer the rinsed peas to the large pot, add 2 Tbsp baking soda and enough water to cover the peas by about 2 inches. Stir, then let sit for 12 hours (or overnight) at room temperature.

    Time: PT12H

  3. Drain and Rinse

    After soaking, pour the peas into a sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda residue and any foam that formed.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Return Peas to Pot and Add Seasonings

    Place the drained peas back into the pot. Add 2 L water (or enough to sit 1‑inch above the peas), 1 Tbsp salt, and 1 Tbsp sugar. Stir to combine.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Bring to a Boil

    Place the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil (≈100 °C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  6. Skim Foam

    As soon as the foam rises, use a spoon to skim it off the surface. Discard the foam.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Simmer Until Tender

    Reduce heat to maintain a hard simmer (≈90 °C). Stir occasionally to prevent peas from sticking. Simmer for about 30 minutes, adding a splash of water if the level drops too low.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 90°C

  8. Add Butter

    When the peas are tender, stir in the 30 g butter pieces until fully melted.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Blend to Desired Consistency

    Using an immersion blender, blend the peas directly in the pot until smooth and slightly creamy. For a chunkier texture, blend briefly.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Finish with Fresh Mint

    Stir in the chopped fresh mint leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt if needed.

    Time: PT2M

  11. Serve

    Transfer the mushy peas to a serving bowl. Serve hot alongside fish, chips, or a crusty roll.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
120
Protein
7 g
Carbohydrates
20 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑Free

Allergens: Dairy (butter)

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Mushy Peas – The ONLY WAY which is Acceptable – without Marrowfat peas!

Recipe by Backyard Chef

A faithful, homemade version of classic British mushy peas made from green split peas instead of the traditional Marafaat peas. Soaked with baking soda, simmered with a pinch of salt and sugar, then blended with butter and fresh mint for authentic flavor and texture.

MediumBritishServes 8

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

Source Video
12h 30m
Prep
35m
Cook
1h 34m
Cleanup
14h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.65
Total cost
$0.46
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking peas with baking soda for 12 hours
  • Skimming foam during the first boil
  • Blending peas with butter for authentic texture
  • Adding fresh mint at the end

Safety Warnings

  • Hot water and boiling liquid can cause severe burns – handle with care.
  • Use the immersion blender with the pot partially uncovered to avoid splatter.
  • Do not ingest raw baking soda in large quantities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Mushy peas have been a staple side dish in the UK since the early 20th century, traditionally served with fish and chips, meat pies, and roast dinners. They originated from the use of dried Marafaat peas, which were boiled and mashed to create a bright green, buttery accompaniment.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of mushy peas across the United Kingdom?

A

In England, mushy peas are typically made from Marafaat peas with a touch of mint. In Scotland, a sweeter version with a bit more sugar is common, while in Wales some cooks add a splash of cream for extra richness. The core ingredients—peas, butter, and mint—remain consistent.

cultural
Q

How is authentic mushy peas traditionally served in British fish and chip shops?

A

Authentic mushy peas are served hot in a small bowl or ramekin alongside battered fish and thick-cut chips. The peas are kept slightly runny so they can be easily scooped with a fork or spoon and complement the crispiness of the fish.

cultural
Q

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

A

Mushy peas are a regular part of everyday meals but also appear at traditional British gatherings such as fish‑and‑chip shop outings, Sunday roasts, and local fairs where they accompany battered fish, pies, or sausage rolls.

cultural
Q

What makes this copycat mushy peas recipe special compared to frozen‑pea shortcuts?

A

This recipe uses green split peas soaked with baking soda, which replicates the texture and flavor of true Marafaat peas far better than frozen garden peas and butter. The addition of sugar, salt, butter, and fresh mint creates the authentic bright‑green, buttery, slightly sweet profile.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making copycat mushy peas?

A

Common errors include skipping the baking‑soda soak (resulting in tough peas), not skimming the foam (which can make the peas bitter), and over‑cooking until the peas become mushy mush rather than a smooth, slightly runny puree. Also, forgetting to add butter at the end will leave the peas dry.

technical
Q

Why does this mushy peas recipe use baking soda instead of baking powder?

A

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) raises the pH of the soaking water, which softens the pea skins more quickly and helps achieve the classic soft texture. Baking powder contains acid and would not have the same softening effect.

technical
Q

Can I make this copycat mushy peas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can prepare the peas up to three days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and re‑heat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to restore the desired consistency.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the mushy peas are done?

A

The peas should be bright green, smooth yet slightly grainy, and a bit runny—similar to a thick soup. When cooled, they will thicken, so a slightly looser consistency while hot is ideal.

technical
Q

How do I know when the mushy peas are fully cooked?

A

The peas are done when they are soft enough to be easily mashed with a spoon and no hard centers remain. A quick taste will confirm they are tender; if any bite is still firm, continue simmering.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Backyard Chef specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Backyard Chef, hosted by Rick, focuses on practical, budget‑friendly British comfort food and outdoor cooking techniques, often providing clever substitutions for hard‑to‑find ingredients.

channel
Q

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

A

Backyard Chef emphasizes simple, ingredient‑substitution hacks (like using split peas for Marafaat peas) and outdoor-friendly methods, whereas many other British cooking channels stick to traditional pantry staples and indoor kitchen setups.

channel

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