Pease Pudding
Pease pudding is a hearty, creamy dish made from split peas, perfect for comforting meals. Its savory flavors suit all ages and are great as a side or spread.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the split peas thoroughly.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Drop the peas into the boiling water.
- Reduce heat and simmer until peas are soft and can be mashed easily, about 1 hour.
- Remove the pan from heat and mash the peas well to a smooth puree.
- Return the mashed peas to the pan and add salt, butter, and optional seasoning like garlic or onion powder.
- Stir constantly until well combined and heated through.
- Transfer the pease pudding to a serving dish.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider soaking the split peas overnight before cooking. If you don't have butter, olive oil can be a healthy substitute. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika can enhance the flavor, giving the dish a subtle smokiness. Experiment with seasonings like cumin or thyme for a unique twist. This pease pudding pairs beautifully with dishes like Dutch Apple Pudding for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pease pudding is best served warm as a comforting side dish. It pairs wonderfully with meats, such as ham or sausages, and can also be enjoyed as a vegetarian main when served with a fresh salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside some roasted vegetables or a light soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to the pudding in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pease Pudding contains roughly 601 calories, with 13g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1142mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned peas instead of dry split peas?
While you can use canned peas in a pinch, they will alter the texture and flavor of the dish significantly. Dry split peas are essential for achieving the traditional consistency and taste of pease pudding. If you opt for canned peas, reduce the cooking time and simply mash them until smooth after draining.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version of pease pudding, simply replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. You can enhance the flavor with additional herbs or spices, and it will still maintain a deliciously creamy texture without any animal products.
What can I do if my pease pudding is too thick?
If your pease pudding turns out too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by stirring in a bit of water or vegetable broth until you reach your desired texture. Heat it gently while stirring to ensure it warms through evenly. This will help create a smooth, spreadable pudding.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).