Carlings

Discover the hearty tradition of "Carlings," a Northern English classic made with dried black peas, also known as parched peas or maple peas. Perfect for embracing comfort food at its finest, this simple yet flavorful recipe calls for slowly simmering the nutrient-packed peas until tender, then tossing them in melted butter, coarse sea salt, and a hint of black pepper. The addition of a splash of malt or apple cider vinegar as an optional garnish elevates the dish with a tangy twist. Ideal as a wholesome snack or side, Carlings are a nostalgic nod to historic Bonfire Night gatherings and cold-weather feasts. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, this soul-warming dish delivers a taste of culinary heritage that’s both satisfying and fuss-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:130 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams dried black peas (also known as parched peas or maple peas)
• 1 liter water
• 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 20 grams butter
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (optional) vinegar (malt or apple cider, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black peas thoroughly under cold running water to remove any debris.

Step 2

Place the black peas in a large bowl or pot and cover them with water. Add 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to help the peas soften. Soak overnight for at least 8-10 hours.

Step 3

After soaking, drain and rinse the black peas well.

Step 4

Transfer the peas to a large pot and add about 1 liter of fresh water. Bring the pot to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are soft but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally and skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Step 6

Drain the cooked black peas and return them to the pot.

Step 7

Add butter, coarse sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the peas while they are still warm. Stir gently until the butter melts and coats the peas evenly.

Step 8

Serve the Carlings immediately, either warm or at room temperature. Optionally, drizzle with a splash of malt or apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1325.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1015.6

Total Fat 20.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g
Cholesterol 47mg	0%
Sodium 3367.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 151.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 64.1g	0%
Total Sugars 8.0g
Protein 54.5g	0%

Vitamin D 3.2IU	0%
Calcium 280.3mg	0%
Iron 12.3mg	0%
Potassium 2915.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 18.1%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 60.3%