When you think of the culinary delights of northern England, what springs to mind? For Si King, one half of the beloved cooking duo the Hairy Bikers, the answer is simple: yellow split peas. This humble legume has been a constant presence in Si’s kitchen since his childhood, and remains his secret weapon in crafting heart-warming, belly-filling dishes that are packed with nostalgia and regional pride.
A Staple of Geordie Cuisine
Yellow split peas have long been a cornerstone of cooking in the north-east of England, particularly in the Geordie heartland of Tyne and Wear where Si grew up. “They’ve been in my cupboard all of my life,” he explains. “I use them all the time for pease pudding, which is boiled in ham stock. We call it Geordie hummus.”
This traditional dish, often served with ham in a sandwich, is a regional delicacy that Si’s London-born father discovered when he moved north during World War II and married a local lass. For the King family, as for many in the area, yellow split peas are a kitchen essential, always on hand to add substance and flavor to a range of dishes.
Pease Pudding and Beyond
While pease pudding may be the best-known use for yellow split peas in Geordie cooking, Si emphasizes their incredible versatility. He uses them in hearty soups and stews, where their soft texture and gentle flavor make them a comforting addition. But he’s also not afraid to experiment, elevating the humble pea to new culinary heights.
His “posh pease pudding,” for example, jazzes up the classic recipe with the addition of sautéed onions, carrots, and celery, pushed through the cooked peas for a richer, more complex flavor. In a boldly non-traditional twist, he even confesses to adding sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spring onions – though he jokes this could get him “drummed out of the north-east.”
“My sons and I love them – yellow split peas are a staple in every King household’s kitchen.”
Si King
Secret to Si’s Culinary Heart
For Si, cooking with yellow split peas is about more than just creating tasty dishes – it’s a way of connecting with his roots, his family history, and the food traditions of his beloved home region. Every bowlful of pease pudding or steaming pot of split pea soup contains within it cherished memories and a strong sense of cultural identity.
By championing this simple yet marvelously adaptable ingredient, both in its classic Geordie guises and in his more inventive recipes, Si is ensuring that the culinary heritage of the north-east of England stays alive and vibrant. His passion for yellow split peas, inherited from his parents and now passed on to his own sons, reflects the abiding role of food in shaping our sense of who we are and where we come from.
Keeping Regional Food Traditions Alive
In an era when globalization and convenience foods have blurred many of the lines between local culinary cultures, shining a spotlight on region-specific ingredients and traditional recipes plays an important role in preserving the rich diversity of our food landscape. Well-known chefs and culinary personalities, like the Hairy Bikers, are uniquely positioned to celebrate the dishes and foodstuffs – like yellow split peas – that give different areas their distinctive character and flavor.
By sharing his love for this humble legume and the myriad ways it can be enjoyed, Si King is not only giving his audience a glimpse into his own personal food story, but also inviting us to explore the often unsung bounty of regional cuisines. His infectious enthusiasm serves as a reminder that, in cooking as in life, it’s often the simplest, most unassuming things that have the power to forge deep connections, stir our emotions, and nourish both body and soul.
So the next time you spot a bag of yellow split peas in your local supermarket, why not take a leaf out of Si King’s book and get creative in the kitchen? Whether you choose to recreate a traditional Geordie classic like pease pudding or put your own unique spin on this versatile ingredient, you’ll be tapping into a rich vein of culinary history and regional pride. And who knows – you might just discover your new favorite comfort food in the process!
