Phil Vickery's Homemade Mushy Peas and Curry Sauce

Phil Vickery's Homemade Mushy Peas and Curry Sauce is a easy British recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by This Morning on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $28.39 total, $7.10 per serving

Ingredients

  • 250 g Marrowfat Peas (dried, soaked overnight then drained)
  • 30 g Unsalted Butter (cut into cubes)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Mint (chopped, optional)
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (neutral oil)
  • 1 medium Onion (diced)
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder (mild British curry powder)
  • 1 tsp Tomato Paste
  • 1 tbsp Mango Chutney (sweet)
  • 1 tsp All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
  • 250 ml Water (or vegetable stock)
  • 1 piece Vegetable Stock Cube (dissolved in water)
  • 1 tsp Raisins (optional for sweetness)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
  • 120 g Mayonnaise (store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp Capers (rinsed and chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Cornichons (finely chopped)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)
  • 0.25 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Soak Peas

    Place the dried marrowfat peas in a large bowl, cover with plenty of cold water and leave to soak overnight (at least 8 hours).

    Time: PT0S

  2. Cook Peas

    Drain and rinse the soaked peas, then transfer to a saucepan. Add fresh water to cover, bring to a boil, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook until the peas are very soft, about 15 minutes.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: medium heat

  3. Mash Peas

    Drain the cooked peas, return to the pot and stir in butter, salt, pepper and optional chopped mint. Mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Sauté Onions

    Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Add Curry Ingredients

    Stir in curry powder, tomato paste, mango chutney and raisins. Cook for 1‑2 minutes to release the aromas.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium heat

  6. Simmer Sauce

    Dissolve the stock cube in 250 ml water and pour into the skillet. Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  7. Thicken Sauce

    Sprinkle the flour over the simmering sauce, whisk quickly to avoid lumps, and continue to simmer for another 2‑3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: medium heat

  8. Combine Tartar Ingredients

    In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, chopped capers, chopped cornichons, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper until smooth. Let rest for 10 minutes for flavors to meld (optional).

    Time: PT5M

  9. Plate and Serve

    Warm the mushy peas and curry sauce briefly if needed, then serve alongside fried fish and chips. Add a dollop of tartar sauce on the side.

    Time: PT0S

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
6 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
12 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian (sides only), Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy, Contains Egg

Allergens: Egg, Milk, Fish

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Phil Vickery's Homemade Mushy Peas and Curry Sauce

Recipe by This Morning

A classic British accompaniment for fish and chips featuring creamy mushy peas, sweet‑and‑savory curry sauce, and tangy tartar sauce. All components are made from pantry staples and can be prepared ahead for a stress‑free meal.

EasyBritishServes 4

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

Source Video
5m
Prep
40m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
55m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$28.39
Total cost
$7.10
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soak peas overnight
  • Cook peas until very soft
  • Mash peas with butter for a smooth texture
  • Simmer curry sauce to the right consistency
  • Whisk flour into sauce to avoid lumps
  • Season tartar sauce and let it rest

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and boiling liquid with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a splatter guard when sautéing onions in hot oil.
  • Use a sharp knife on a stable cutting board to prevent cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Fish and chips became a staple of British working‑class meals in the late 19th century, and mushy peas emerged as a cheap, protein‑rich side that complemented the salty fish. The combination is now iconic of seaside towns and traditional “chippy” culture across the UK.

cultural
Q

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

A

In northern England, mushy peas are often flavored with a splash of mint or a pinch of bicarbonate soda to keep them bright green. In the south, they may be served plain or with a hint of lemon juice. Some coastal areas add a dash of malt vinegar for extra tang.

cultural
Q

How is curry sauce traditionally served with fish and chips in the north of England?

A

In northern England, especially around Yorkshire, a sweet‑and‑mild curry sauce made with curry powder, tomato paste, and mango chutney is drizzled over the chips or served on the side. It adds a comforting, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the battered fish.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is fish and chips with mushy peas typically associated with in British culture?

A

Fish and chips is a popular takeaway for weekend outings, football match nights, and seaside holidays. It’s also a common comfort food served at family gatherings and after‑work meals across the UK.

cultural
Q

What makes the combination of mushy peas, curry sauce, and tartar sauce special in British fish and chip meals?

A

The trio offers contrasting textures and flavors: creamy peas, sweet‑savory curry, and tangy tartar. Together they create a balanced bite that enhances the crisp fish and fluffy chips, showcasing the British love for varied condiments.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for British mushy peas versus acceptable modern substitutes?

A

Traditional mushy peas use dried marrowfat peas, butter, salt, and pepper. Modern cooks may substitute frozen peas for convenience, or use a splash of milk for extra creaminess, but the classic flavor comes from the marrowfat peas and butter.

cultural
Q

What other British dishes pair well with the mushy peas, curry sauce, and tartar sauce served in this recipe?

A

These sides pair beautifully with classic battered cod or haddock, but also complement grilled sausages, meat pies, or a simple ploughman’s lunch. They can even accompany a hearty beef stew for added texture.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making mushy peas for fish and chips?

A

Common errors include under‑soaking the peas, which leaves them gritty, and over‑cooking, which makes them watery. Also, adding too much butter can make the peas greasy; balance with just enough to achieve a smooth texture.

technical
Q

Why does this fish and chips accompaniment recipe use flour to thicken the curry sauce instead of cornstarch?

A

Flour is traditional in British home cooking and creates a velvety, slightly opaque sauce that clings to chips. Cornstarch would give a glossy, clearer finish, which changes the classic texture expected in a British curry sauce.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel This Morning specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel This Morning focuses on easy, family‑friendly British cooking tutorials, offering step‑by‑step guides for classic comfort foods, quick weeknight meals, and traditional holiday dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel This Morning's approach to British comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

This Morning emphasizes straightforward techniques, minimal specialty equipment, and practical tips for home cooks, whereas many other channels may use more elaborate plating or advanced culinary jargon. Their style is relaxed, conversational, and geared toward everyday kitchens.

channel

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