Have you ever heard of a dish called Salmon Pea Wiggle?
The name may sound a bit odd, but it’s actually a classic New England meal that has been enjoyed for generations.
This dish is made with canned salmon and peas in a creamy milk gravy, and is often served over toast or crackers.
But where did the name come from?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Salmon Pea Wiggle and uncover the origins of its unique moniker.
Get ready to learn about the delicious tradition of this beloved New England dish!
Why Is It Called Salmon Pea Wiggle?
The origins of the name Salmon Pea Wiggle are not entirely clear, but there are a few theories.
One theory is that the name comes from the wiggling motion of the peas in the creamy sauce. As the dish is stirred, the peas move around and wiggle, giving it its unique name.
Another theory is that the name comes from the sound that the dish makes as it is being stirred. The creamy sauce and canned salmon create a thick consistency that makes a wiggling sound as it is stirred.
Regardless of where the name came from, Salmon Pea Wiggle has been a beloved New England dish for generations. It’s a simple and comforting meal that has been enjoyed by families for years.
The Origins Of Salmon Pea Wiggle
Salmon Pea Wiggle is a classic New England dish that has been enjoyed for generations. The origins of the dish can be traced back to a time when people ate seasonally, and it was common to eat peas and salmon during the Fourth of July celebrations. The dish was originally made with canned salmon, cream sauce, and potatoes, and it has since evolved into different variations.
One theory about the origins of the name Salmon Pea Wiggle is that it comes from the wiggling motion of the peas in the creamy sauce. As the dish is stirred, the peas move around and wiggle, giving it its unique name. Another theory is that the name comes from the sound that the dish makes as it is being stirred. The creamy sauce and canned salmon create a thick consistency that makes a wiggling sound as it is stirred.
Regardless of where the name came from, Salmon Pea Wiggle has become a comfort food for many New Englanders. It’s a simple and easy-to-make dish that can be served on toast or saltine crackers for a quick and tasty meal. While some may view it as an outdated recipe, others still enjoy it as a reminder of simpler times and family traditions.
How To Make Salmon Pea Wiggle
Salmon Pea Wiggle is a classic New England dish that is easy to make and delicious to eat. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 13/4 cups (8 oz / 240 g) cooked or canned/drained salmon, chopped or flaked
– 3 cups whole milk
– 1/4 cup of butter
– 3 Tbsp. flour
– 1 can (15 oz) baby peas
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Melt the butter in a large saucepan over low heat.
2. Once melted, add the flour and blend together until smooth.
3. Slowly add the milk while continuously stirring with a wire whisk.
4. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring until the mixture thickens.
5. Add the baby peas and heat back up.
6. Add the salmon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Cook until warmed through.
8. Serve over toast, crackers, or rice.
Optional: You can also add sliced hard-boiled eggs to the sauce for an extra protein boost.
Enjoy your homemade Salmon Pea Wiggle, a classic New England dish that has stood the test of time!
The Evolution Of The Dish
Salmon Pea Wiggle has evolved over time, with variations in ingredients and cooking methods. Originally, the dish was made with canned salmon, cream sauce, and peas, often served over potatoes or crackers. The dish was a common Fourth of July meal in New England, where salmon and peas were abundant during the summer months.
During the Great Depression and World War II, canned salmon became a staple in many households, and Salmon Pea Wiggle was a popular way to use it. The dish was often served with home-canned stewed tomatoes and Johnny Cake, a type of cornbread.
As fresh salmon became more widely available and frozen peas gained popularity, the recipe for Salmon Pea Wiggle began to change. Some people started using fresh salmon instead of canned, while others added dill or other herbs to the cream sauce for extra flavor.
Today, Salmon Pea Wiggle continues to be a beloved New England dish, but it has evolved even further. Some people now grill their salmon instead of using canned or fresh, while others mix the peas and salmon into pasta salads or dips. Despite these changes, the basic elements of the dish remain the same: salmon, peas, and a creamy sauce.
The Unique Name: A Linguistic Investigation
The name “Salmon Pea Wiggle” is certainly unique and leaves many people wondering about its origins. Interestingly, the term “wiggle” is actually a real culinary term that refers to a cream sauce. This suggests that the name may have something to do with the creamy sauce that is a key component of the dish.
Linguistically speaking, the name is intriguing because it combines two seemingly unrelated items – salmon and peas – with a playful word like “wiggle”. It’s possible that the name was created by someone who wanted to make a simple dish sound more fun and appealing, especially to children.
Another possibility is that the name has regional roots. Both Tuna Pea Wiggle and Salmon Pea Wiggle seem to be popular in New England, which suggests that the name may have originated in that region. It’s possible that the name was created by a family or community and then passed down through generations.
Salmon Pea Wiggle In Modern Times
While Salmon Pea Wiggle has a long history in New England, it has evolved over time to fit modern tastes and preferences. Today, many people use fresh salmon instead of canned, and frozen peas instead of canned. Some even add additional ingredients like herbs or spices to give it a unique flavor.
Another modern twist on the classic dish is to serve it as a dip with crackers or chips, making it a perfect appetizer for parties and gatherings. Some even use it as a topping for baked potatoes or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Despite these changes, Salmon Pea Wiggle remains a popular dish in New England, especially during the summer months when fresh salmon and peas are readily available. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways, making it a staple in many households.
Regional Variations Of The Dish
As with any regional dish, there are variations of Salmon Pea Wiggle throughout New England. In Maine, the dish is often made with canned salmon, canned peas, and potatoes, with a creamy white sauce. Some versions of the dish include dill, which is a popular herb in the region.
In Massachusetts, the dish may be served over toast or crackers, and may include hard-boiled eggs or a butter-herb sauce. Some families even add their own twist to the recipe by grilling the salmon and serving it with steamed peas.
In Vermont, Salmon Pea Wiggle may be made with fresh salmon instead of canned, and served over rice or quinoa instead of potatoes or crackers. Some families also add additional vegetables, such as carrots or celery, to the dish.