Randy Chandler
The Fast Show is a British sketch comedy show that has given rise to many catchphrases that have made their way into everyday conversations. One of the most memorable sketches from the show combines cheese and peas, two seemingly unrelated foods, to create cheesy peas. This combination has inspired real-life recipes, such as Jamie Oliver's version with peas and grated parmesan, offering a fun way to get kids to eat their greens.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Sketch |
| Show | The Fast Show |
| Stars | Paul Whitehouse, Charlie Higson, John Thomson, Caroline Aherne, Vic Reeves, Bob Mortimer, Dave Gorman, Craig Cash, Graham Linehan |
| Food | Peas and cheese |
| Recipe | Peas with grated parmesan on top |
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What You'll Learn
Types of Cheese: Fromage fan? List your favorites, from mild to wild
Whether you're a cheese novice or a seasoned turophile, there's a whole world of cheese out there to discover, from mild to wild. Here's a list of some favourite cheeses, ranging from the mild and creamy to the pungent and blue:
Mild Cheeses
Mild cheeses are the perfect crowd-pleasers, with their gentle, smooth flavours that complement a variety of dishes. Here are some popular choices:
- Brie: This soft, creamy cheese from France is a favourite for cheese plates and casual snacking. It has a mildly sweet, buttery flavour and a white, bloomy rind that's edible and adds a unique taste.
- Camembert: A close cousin of Brie, Camembert is also soft and creamy, with a strong, mushroomy aroma. It's made with cow's milk and has a mild flavour thanks to its edible, bloomy rind treated with a specific type of mould.
- Burrata: Hailing from Italy, Burrata is a soft, fresh cheese with a creamy, oozy interior encased in a firm outer shell of mozzarella. It has a mild, buttery flavour and is perfect for pairing with fresh tomatoes and crusty bread.
- Jarlsberg: This mild, semi-soft cheese from Norway resembles Swiss Emmental with its distinctive open eyes. It has a buttery, nutty flavour and a smooth, rubbery texture, making it a versatile choice for sandwiches, cheese boards, and more.
- Ricotta: A thick, creamy, and fluffy Italian cheese, Ricotta has a mild, fresh, and slightly sweet flavour. It's made from heating and straining the leftover curds after the milk has been separated during the cheese-making process.
- Cream Cheese: This fresh, creamy, and spreadable cheese is a staple on bagels and the star ingredient in cheesecakes. It has a mild, milky, and slightly acidic flavour that pairs well with both sweet and savoury add-ins.
- Swiss: Modelled after the bold Alpine cheeses of Switzerland, this cow's milk cheese made in the U.S. has a mild, slightly nutty flavour and small holes. It's an excellent choice for sandwiches and fondue.
Wild Cheeses
For those who crave stronger flavours, these wild cheeses offer unique and intense taste experiences:
- Blue Cheese: Blue cheese is undoubtedly divisive, with its intense spiciness, strong flavours from mould, and distinctive blue veins. For those who love it, there's an entire spectrum to explore, from the mildly potent Dunbarton Blue to the wild and spicy Roquefort.
- Roquefort: Regarded as the world's greatest blue cheese, this French classic has been crafted in the caves of Combalou since 1411. It's known for its heavenly flavour, reminiscent of the cavern air where it ripens, with creamy chunks that dissolve on the palate like sharp, soothing milky lozenges.
- Bayley Hazen Blue: This award-winning blue cheese from Jasper Hill Farm in Vermont is a raw milk, farmhouse-style creation. It boasts a dense, dry paste with balanced chocolate, hazelnut, and licorice flavours, along with a pleasant pepperiness that sets it apart.
- Limburger: Don't be fooled by its mild flavour—Limburger is known for its pungent, stinky aroma. This semi-soft cheese softens with age and is best enjoyed with dark rye bread and onion.
- Feta: Originally from Greece, Feta is a salty, tangy, pungent, and intense cheese. It has a dry, grainy texture and is a popular choice for salads, especially those featuring cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions.
- American Process Cheese: This uniquely American creation, made with additives, is a semi-soft, smooth, and mild cheese. It's a favourite for grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and macaroni, especially among children.
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Pea Preferences: Some like them mushy, others fresh and crisp
The Fast Show's sketch, "Do you like cheese? Do you like peas?", might not have achieved the same ubiquity as "Suits you, sir", but it still left an impression. The sketch's premise—combining cheese and peas—might seem preposterous, but it inspired celebrity chef Jamie Oliver to create a recipe for "cheesy peas".
This recipe, which consists of peas and grated parmesan, is a simple yet effective way to get children to eat their greens. However, not everyone is a fan of this combination, and some people prefer their peas without any cheese.
When it comes to pea preferences, people tend to fall into two camps: those who like them mushy and those who like them fresh and crisp. Mushy peas are often associated with British cuisine and are commonly served as a side dish with fish and chips. They are made from dried marrowfat peas that have been soaked in water and then boiled until they form a thick, creamy mush. On the other hand, fresh and crisp peas are typically preferred by those who like their vegetables to retain a bit of bite and texture. These peas are often steamed or blanched, just enough to cook them while still maintaining a firm texture.
While the "cheesy peas" recipe might not be to everyone's taste, it does highlight the versatility of peas as an ingredient. For those who enjoy their peas mushy, the addition of cheese can add a creamy and savoury element to the dish. On the other hand, those who prefer their peas fresh and crisp might appreciate the contrast of melted cheese against the firm texture of the peas.
Ultimately, whether you like your peas mushy or fresh and crisp is a matter of personal preference. Both preparations have their unique appeal and can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. So, the next time you're reaching for a bag of frozen peas in the grocery store, why not think about trying something new? Experiment with different recipes and cooking methods to find the pea preparation that suits your taste buds the best.
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Nutrition: Health benefits and risks of cheese and peas
Cheese
Cheese is a whole food, generally considered healthy and nutritious, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Cheese is made from milk and is therefore packed with calcium, which helps build strong bones and prevents osteoporosis. It is also a good source of protein, vitamins A, B12, D, K, and zinc, phosphorus, and riboflavin.
The healthy fats in cheese, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), may help prevent obesity, heart disease, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, cheese is a source of glutathione, an antioxidant that helps maintain brain health and promotes healthy blood vessels.
However, cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, which have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. It is also low in fiber and contains lactose, which can cause digestive issues for those with lactose intolerance. Some people may also have an allergy to a protein in cheese called casein, which can cause inflammation, rashes, headaches, and sinus congestion.
Peas
Peas are legumes, offering a range of nutritional benefits. They are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The fiber in peas helps control blood sugar levels, promotes digestive health, and may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and colon cancer. The antioxidants in peas may also help protect against certain cancers and keep eyes healthy.
However, peas are relatively high in carbohydrates, so it is important not to consume excessive amounts. Additionally, peas contain FODMAPs and lectins, which may cause bloating, especially when consumed in large amounts.
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History: A timeline of how these foods became popular
The history of cheese and peas becoming popular is a fascinating one, with both foods having been consumed by humans for thousands of years. Here is a timeline detailing the key moments in their respective histories:
Cheese:
- The production of cheese likely began by accident over 7,000 years ago, possibly in Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, or the Sahara. Ancient records indicate that cheese-making dates back more than 4,000 years, with ancient legends suggesting that it was discovered by travellers carrying milk in pouches made from ruminants' stomachs.
- By the time of the Roman Empire, cheese-making had become a widespread and highly valued process, with hundreds of varieties of cheese being produced and traded.
- During the Middle Ages, cheese-making was kept alive by monks in monasteries, and many popular cheeses, such as Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Gouda, were first recorded during this time.
- In 1815, the first factory for the industrial production of cheese opened in Switzerland, marking the beginning of mass-produced cheese.
- In 1851, dairy farmer Jesse Williams from Oneida County, New York, began making cheese in an assembly-line fashion, using milk from neighbouring farms. This led to the success of mass-produced cheese in the United States.
- During the 1900s, the demand for cheese continued to grow, and the manufactured and processed cheese production increased dramatically.
- In recent years, there has been a resurgence of farmstead and artisan cheeses, with more people in the US making these types of cheeses since the 2010s.
Peas:
- Peas are one of the oldest cultivated crops, with wild peas native to the Mediterranean region and ancient remains found in the Middle East dating back to the late Neolithic Period.
- In the Stone Age, peas were a popular delicacy, with evidence of their consumption found in excavations in Switzerland and Hungary.
- The Aryans from the East introduced peas to the Greeks and Romans, who cultivated them in ancient times.
- In the 17th century, eating freshly shelled peas became popular with the aristocracy, and Louis XIV of France was known to be fond of them.
- In the early 18th century, peas became accessible to commoners, and by the mid-1800s, they were being used by Gregor Mendel in his pioneering studies of heredity.
- Today, peas are grown worldwide and are commonly bought fresh, canned, or frozen, with dried peas being used in soups and other dishes.
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Recipes: Creative ways to use cheese and peas in meals
If you're looking for creative ways to use cheese and peas in your meals, then look no further! Here are some delicious and simple recipes that you can try:
Cheesy Peas
This recipe is a quick and easy way to add some cheese to your peas. It serves as a great side dish and can be prepared in just 20 minutes! You can use either frozen or fresh peas, although frozen peas are more readily available year-round. Simply steam or boil the peas with a pinch of salt for 2-3 minutes, then drain and return them to the pot. Add unsweetened almond milk, mustard, and as much cheese as you like. Stir the ingredients together over medium heat until the cheese has melted, and you're done!
Peas in Cheese Sauce
This recipe takes a little longer but is still a simple and tasty way to enjoy cheese and peas. In a large saucepan, melt some butter over low heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper, stirring until smooth. Gradually add milk and bring the mixture to a boil, cooking and stirring for 2 minutes until thickened. Add your choice of cheese and stir until melted. Finally, add the peas and cook for another 1-2 minutes. This dish can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
Creative Combinations
If you're feeling adventurous, try combining cheesy peas with other ingredients to create unique meals. For example, wrap pork chops in bacon and serve them with cheesy peas, or pair the peas in cheese sauce with a meaty entrée, such as beef or chicken. You can even experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination!
So, whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a creative main course, there are plenty of ways to incorporate cheese and peas into your meals. Enjoy experimenting with these recipes and discovering new flavors!
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Frequently asked questions
The recipe is a simple combination of peas and grated parmesan cheese.
The recipe was created by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and featured on his website.
The phrase is a reference to a sketch from the British comedy show "The Fast Show," which comically suggested combining cheese and peas.
The recipe is popular because it is a simple and effective way to encourage children to eat their greens, as suggested by Jamie Oliver.
While the basic recipe is peas and parmesan, some people may experiment with different types of cheese or additional ingredients to suit their taste preferences.
