Substitute For Marrowfat Peas

Our answer

Nigella's recipe for Quick Crostini With Avocado And Green Pea Hummus (from NIGELLA EXPRESS) is an almost-instant canapé or appetizer, where avocado and drained, canned peas are whizzed into a thick hummus that is spread generously onto small pieces of slightly sour pumpernickel bread. Marrowfat peas are peas that are allowed to grow to full maturity, so they are larger and starchier than most peas, and then they are dried. Marrowfat peas are often used for the British dish of mushy peas.

Tinned or canned marrowfat peas are easier to use as the dried peas are cooked before they are canned and the drained peas are ready to use. They are stocked by many major UK retailers, though will be difficult to find outside the UK. You can substitute regular canned green peas instead. These tend to be less starchy than the marrowfat peas, so make sure that they are very well drained before adding them to the avocado.