Recently, I acquired some dried marrowfat peas.
Now, what are these used for? Mushy peas - a traditional dish from the Midlands and Northern England.
They are a side dish commonly served with fish and chips, but surprisingly, I never actually tried them during my time living in the UK!!
So, having been gifted these, I decided to give cooking them a go.
After searching online, the recipe was quite straightforward:
1) Soak the peas in hot water with bicarbonate of soda
2) Simmer with sugar and salt
A very simple, quintessentially British recipe.
Now, the main topic - the power of sensing, something I've been particularly focused on lately.
Putting myself in the position/mindset of whatever it is I'm dealing with. The key point being, it's not with another person.
It exercises the imagination and prompts a shift in perspective.
Today, it's the dried marrowfat peas I'm attuning myself to.
I'll keep how I've perceived them a secret, but needless to say, this allows me to communicate with the ingredients themselves. Perhaps I'm literally conversing with them, or picking up on their subtle energies to guide the cooking process.
Whether you believe it or not is up to you.
But my cooking doesn't strictly follow recipes from the start - recipes are merely a point of reference for the chemical reactions. Communicating with the ingredients themselves is paramount.
How else could I recreate a dish from taste and smell alone after trying it once before?
How can I so precisely capture my own desired flavors, or those preferred by others?
That's the crux of it.
[Nutritional Value of Mushy Peas]
1. Protein
Mushy peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, containing around 5g of protein per 100g - helping build and repair muscles.
2. Fibre
Rich in fibre at around 5g per 100g, aiding digestion, promoting gut health, and preventing constipation.
3. Vitamins
Mushy peas are packed with vitamins C, K, A, and B vitamins (especially folate).
- Vitamin C: Boosts immunity, maintains healthy skin, antioxidant properties.
- Vitamin K: Blood clotting, bone health.
- Vitamin A: Maintains vision, strengthens immunity.
- Folate: Crucial for pregnant women, aids red blood cell production.
4. Minerals
Mushy peas contain abundant iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus.
- Iron: Vital for producing oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
- Potassium: Regulates blood pressure, heart health.
- Magnesium: Bone health, muscle function.
- Phosphorus: Bone and tooth formation, energy production.
5. Antioxidants
Mushy peas contain antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage, potentially slowing aging and preventing disease.
Despite being low-calorie at around 80 calories per 100g, mushy peas are very satiating, making them diet-friendly.
They are a highly versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in salads, soups, risottos, curries, pastas, and more.