UK~Carlings

Carlings

Carlings are dried peas, a traditional meal for Lent in Yorkshire. It’s said that whoever gets the last pea in the pot will be the first to get married.


8 oz. dried green peas
3 c. cold water
2 to 3 tbsp. fresh bread crumbs
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/4 tsp. rosemary salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp. melted butter flour
1 tbsp. butter for frying

1.Soak peas overnight in cold water.
2.The next morning, drain peas and
rinse well. Place peas in a large saucepan and cover with 3 c. cold water.
3.Bring water to boil and cook peas
for 11/2 to 2 hours, stirring regularly and adding extra water if necessary, until the peas are tender.
4.Drain and allow peas to cool. Then,
in a large bowl, mix the peas with the bread crumbs, onion, herbs, salt and pepper, and melted butter to form a stiff mixture.
5.Shape mixture into cakes and dust lightly with flour. Melt 1 tbsp. of butter in a frying pan and fry the carlings until golden brown, turning once. Serve immediately.


Preparation time: 10 minutes (plus soaking overnight) Cooking time: 2 1/2 to 3 hours Serves 4