

The mushy peas we tasted on our trip ranged from something akin to thick pea soup (probably made the traditional way, with dried marrowfat peas) to a bright, flavorful purée. But I did talk to local folks and read through recipes, and I believe that my version sticks pretty close to the traditional one. Alas, it wasn't the right season for bubble and squeak, so we didn't get to sample the authentic version. On a recent family trip to the United Kingdom - my kids' first foray into overseas travel - we had a chance to try mushy peas, along with many other local specialties (and, yes, we also had spectacular Indian food). The name calls to mind overcooked, bland baby food, but the side dish can actually be quite verdant and tasty, especially when spiked with lemon and mint. Then there are mushy peas - a traditional accompaniment to fish and chips, ideally served with a splash of malt vinegar. Though it may sound like something straight out of a witch's cauldron, à la Macbeth, it's actually a pan-fried mixture of leftover vegetables from a roast dinner, named for the sound of frying cabbage. However Brits do have a few famous dishes, and they often have truly colloquial names.

In fact, if you ask someone where to get good food in England, they might direct you to an Indian restaurant. The British are not exactly known for their haute cuisine.
