Oliver Twist Pease Pudding Recipe

Oliver Twist was a part of everyone’s childhood; perhaps you enjoyed the book by Dickens, acted in the play or watched the movie. A memorable song from the play and movie is ‘Food, Glorious Food’ which highlights the orphan boys’ greatest desires – unlimited food such as pease pudding and custard and jelly which will give them indigestion. Here’s a clip from the song: 

When we first heard the song, we couldn’t help but wonder – what on earth is pease pudding? Why is it so exciting for these boys? Now, we’re all grown up and have the power of Google at our fingertips, so without further ado –

Pease Pudding

Pease Pudding is a savoury pudding dish made with boiled legumes, water, salt and spices. It’s popular in Britain and Canada.

The pudding is thick in texture and light yellow. It is generally served with ham, bacon and cakes for lunch or dinner.

As well as being featured in ‘Food Glorious Food’, pease pudding also stars in Peas Porridge Hot, a nursery rhyme.

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Ingredients

• 300 grams dried yellow split peas
• 50 grams butter
• 1 onion roughly chopped
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 tsp sea salt flakes
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg finely grated
• 1 egg beaten
• black pepper

Servings MetricUS Imperial Ingredients 300 grams dried yellow split peas 50 grams butter 1 onion roughly chopped 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1 Bay Leaf 1 tsp sea salt flakes 1/2 tsp nutmeg finely grated 1 egg beaten black pepper

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Instructions

1. Rinse the peas under cold water, cover with hot water and allow them to soak for 20 minutes.
2. Heat half the butter in a frying pan and sauté the onion, thyme and bay leaf for 15 minutes over a low flame.
3. Stir the peas into the pan.
4. Pour in 1 litre of water and allow the mixture to boil.
5. Summer for 30-40 minutes until the peas soften.
6. After the peas are soft and the liquid had reduced well, take the bay leaf out of the mixture and blend the peas with a hand blender until a thick puree is formed.
7. Stir in the butter, nutmeg and egg.
8. Season with salt and black pepper.
9. Wrap the mixture in muslin and place this in cold water.
10. Bring the water to a simmer and cook for an hour.
11. After an hour, take the pudding of the stove and put in a serving bowl.
12. Serve with ham and enjoy!