Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With minimal preparation and cooking time, creamed peas are perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Versatile Side Dish: They pair wonderfully with a variety of main courses, from roasted meats to vegetarian entrees.
- Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce makes peas more appealing to picky eaters, encouraging them to enjoy their vegetables.
- Pantry Staples: Utilizes common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Frozen peas
Directions
-
Cook the Peas: Prepare the peas according to the package instructions, ensuring they are tender but not overcooked.
-
Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the flour, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk to prevent lumps.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
-
Combine Peas and Sauce: Add the cooked peas to the cream sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the peas are heated through and have absorbed some of the sauce’s flavor.
-
Serve: Transfer the creamed peas to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Add Onions: Sauté finely chopped onions in the butter before adding the flour for an extra layer of flavor.
- Incorporate Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme can brighten the dish and add complexity.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a richer, more indulgent version.
- Bacon Bits: Crispy bacon pieces can add a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate and become grainy upon thawing.
FAQs
What are creamed peas?
Creamed peas are peas cooked in a creamy white sauce, typically made from a roux of butter and flour, with milk added to create a smooth, rich coating.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used. Blanch them briefly in boiling water until tender before adding them to the cream sauce.
How can I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?
Ensure you whisk the flour and butter thoroughly to form a smooth roux, and add the milk gradually while continuously whisking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare creamed peas in advance and reheat them gently before serving.
What dishes pair well with creamed peas?
They complement roasted meats, grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian mains like stuffed bell peppers.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use unsweetened almond or oat milk.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Let it simmer a bit longer to reduce, or mix a small amount of flour with cold milk and whisk it into the sauce.
Why is my sauce too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Mushrooms, pearl onions, or diced carrots can be excellent additions.
How do I reheat leftovers without curdling the sauce?
Reheat slowly over low heat, stirring gently, and avoid bringing the sauce to a boil.
Conclusion
Creamed peas are a delightful and versatile side dish that brings comfort and elegance to any meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, they are a must-try addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re revisiting a classic or introducing them to new generations, creamed peas are sure to become a cherished favorite.
Print
Creamed Peas
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed peas are a timeless comfort side dish made with tender peas in a rich, creamy sauce. This quick and easy recipe pairs perfectly with various main courses and is ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. With simple pantry staples, it’s a kid-friendly way to serve vegetables and can be customized with variations like cheese, herbs.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp Pepper (or to taste)
- 2 cups Frozen peas (or fresh peas)
Instructions
- Cook the Peas: Prepare the peas according to the package instructions, ensuring they are tender but not overcooked.
- Make the Cream Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook until smooth and bubbly, forming a roux.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Season with salt and pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Peas and Sauce: Stir the cooked peas into the cream sauce, coating them evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy warm.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce may separate.
- Customization: Add sautéed onions, fresh herbs, cheese, for different flavor variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
