Passion Peas Recipe
🕒 Total Time: 12 hours 15 minutes
🕒 Prep Time: 10 hours
🕒 Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
🥘 Recipe Category: Grains
🔍 Keywords: Vegetable, Scottish, European, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, Stove Top, Easy
Description:
Passion Peas, a traditional Northumbrian dish with a rich historical significance, were often served on Passion Sunday, a solemn occasion marked by the draping of church altars in purple as a symbol of mourning for Christ’s Passion. Pea-based dishes like this were popular during Lent, when meat consumption was restricted. However, this versatile dish can also complement gammon, ham, or grilled bacon, adding a burst of flavor to any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 onions
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon seasoned flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 171.6
- Fat: 9.3g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 22.9mg
- Sodium: 101.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 18.2g
- Fiber: 3.6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4.5g
Instructions:
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Soak the peas overnight: In a bowl, place the green peas and cover them with cold water. Let them soak overnight.
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Drain and rinse: The next morning, drain the soaked peas and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove any impurities.
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Cook the peas: Transfer the peas to a large saucepan and add 30 fluid ounces of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
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Simmer until tender: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the peas covered. They should become tender but not mushy.
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Cool the peas: Once cooked, allow the peas to cool to room temperature.
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Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked peas with breadcrumbs, finely chopped onions, dried herbs, and seasoning. Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to bind the mixture together. Mix until everything is well combined.
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Shape into cakes: Using your hands, shape the pea mixture into small cakes or patties. Dust them lightly with seasoned flour for added flavor and texture.
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Fry the cakes: In a frying pan, melt 1 ounce of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is hot, carefully place the pea cakes in the pan. Fry them until golden brown on both sides, turning them once to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Transfer the golden brown pea cakes to a serving plate and serve immediately while still warm. Enjoy the rich flavors and historical significance of this traditional dish!
Passion Peas are not just a culinary delight; they’re also a journey through time, offering a taste of Northumbrian tradition with every bite. Whether enjoyed on a solemn occasion or as a flavorful side dish, these pea cakes are sure to become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.
