Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamed Peas offer a perfect balance of flavors with their sweetness from the peas and the smooth, rich texture of the creamy sauce. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any meal—whether you’re serving it for a holiday dinner or as a quick weeknight side. The creamy sauce enhances the flavor of the peas without overpowering them, making this a dish that’s easy to love, even for those who aren’t usually fans of peas.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen peas (or fresh peas, if available)

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Cook the peas: If using frozen peas, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Drain and set aside. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.

  2. Make the creamy sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously to make a roux (a thick paste). Cook the roux for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste, but be careful not to let it brown.

  3. Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.

  4. Season the sauce: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want a richer flavor, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

  5. Combine peas with the sauce: Add the cooked peas to the saucepan, stirring gently to coat the peas with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to warm up in the sauce.

  6. Serve: Once the peas are coated and heated through, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes

  • Cook Time: 10 minutes

  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

  • Add herbs: Experiment with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to enhance the flavor of the sauce.

  • Spicy creamed peas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

  • Cheesy creamed peas: Stir in more grated cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyère, for a cheesier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover creamed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes! Fresh peas can be used, but they will need to be blanched first. Simply cook them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before draining and adding to the creamy sauce.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with a dairy-free butter alternative, and use a plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk. You can also skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free cheese.

3. Can I add other vegetables to the creamed peas?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables such as carrots, corn, or even small potatoes for a more substantial dish.

4. How do I thicken the sauce more if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by adding a little more flour or cornstarch mixed with water. Alternatively, cook the sauce for a little longer until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency.

5. Can I use half-and-half instead of whole milk?

Yes, half-and-half will make the sauce even richer and creamier, so feel free to use it instead of whole milk for a more indulgent version.

6. Can I use frozen peas directly, or do I need to thaw them first?

Frozen peas can be used directly without thawing. Just add them to the boiling water or into the creamy sauce, and they will warm up quickly.

Conclusion

Creamed Peas are a classic side dish that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. The creamy, buttery sauce enhances the sweetness of the peas, making it a comforting and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you’re making it as a quick weeknight side or serving it for a special occasion, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and a great way to enjoy a vegetable in a rich and delicious way!

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Creamed Peas

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Creamed Peas is a classic, comforting side dish made with sweet peas and a creamy, buttery sauce. The peas are coated in a smooth, rich sauce with a touch of garlic, onion, and Parmesan, making it a flavorful and satisfying addition to any meal.

  • Author: Catherine
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen peas (or fresh peas, if available)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If using frozen peas, bring a pot of water to a boil, add peas, and cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through. Drain and set aside. If using fresh peas, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously to form a roux. Cook for 1 minute, ensuring the flour does not brown.
  3. Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For added richness, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the cooked peas to the saucepan and stir to coat with the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the peas to warm through.
  6. Once heated, remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute butter with dairy-free butter and use almond or coconut milk. Skip the Parmesan or use dairy-free cheese.For a richer sauce, substitute whole milk with half-and-half or heavy cream.If you prefer a more textured sauce, add a little more flour to thicken it further.This dish can be served as a side with roasted meats, chicken, fish, or over a bed of mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 16g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

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