Creamed Peas

Creamed Peas is a classic side dish that elevates simple frozen peas into a creamy and flavorful delight. This recipe combines butter, flour, milk, and a touch of heavy cream to create a silky sauce that coats the peas perfectly. It’s quick to prepare and makes a wonderful addition to any meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 2 cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon white pepper or black pepper
• 4 cups frozen peas
• ¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Fresh chopped chives or dill, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt the Butter In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.

2. Incorporate the Flour and Garlic Powder Whisk in the flour and garlic powder (if using) until smooth and well incorporated with the butter.

3. Add the Milk Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Add the Peas Add the frozen peas to the saucepan. Cook, stirring frequently, until the peas are heated through and tender, about 4 minutes.

5. Optional: Stir in the Heavy Cream If using, stir in the heavy cream to add extra richness to the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

6. Garnish and Serve Garnish the Creamed Peas with additional pepper, a pat of butter, and fresh chopped chives or dill, if desired. Serve hot as a delicious side dish alongside roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal. Enjoy the creamy goodness of these peas!

Serving and Storage Tips :

Serving Tips

1. Pair with Main Dishes: Creamed Peas are a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats such as beef, lamb, or pork. They also complement grilled chicken and fish.
2. Vegetarian Meals: Serve Creamed Peas as part of a vegetarian meal alongside dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a grain-based dish such as quinoa or rice pilaf.
3. Garnish Options: Enhance the visual appeal and flavor by garnishing with fresh chopped chives or dill. Adding a pat of butter on top just before serving can add a delightful richness.
4. Special Occasions: This dish is perfect for special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, where it can be a standout addition to your festive table.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover Creamed Peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
2. Reheating: Reheat the Creamed Peas gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
3. Freezing: While Creamed Peas can be frozen, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, avoid overcooking as it can cause the peas to become mushy. Heat just until warmed through to maintain the best texture and flavor.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Creamed Peas remain delicious and fresh, whether you’re serving them immediately or enjoying leftovers later.

Variations:

1. Creamed Peas with Bacon

• Ingredients: Add 4-5 strips of bacon, chopped and cooked until crispy.
• Method: After cooking the bacon, remove it from the pan and use the rendered fat instead of butter for the roux. Stir the crispy bacon pieces into the sauce along with the peas.
• Flavor Profile: The smoky, savory bacon adds a rich depth of flavor to the creamy peas.

2. Creamed Peas with Mushrooms

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake).
• Method: Sauté the mushrooms in the butter before adding the flour. Proceed with the recipe as directed.
• Flavor Profile: Mushrooms add an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy sauce and peas.

3. Lemon and Herb Creamed Peas

• Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs (such as thyme, parsley, or tarragon).
• Method: Stir in the lemon zest and herbs just before serving.
• Flavor Profile: The lemon zest adds a bright, tangy flavor, while the fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness.

4. Spicy Creamed Peas

• Ingredients: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Method: Stir in the red pepper flakes or hot sauce when adding the milk.
• Flavor Profile: This variation adds a subtle heat to the creamy peas, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

5. Creamed Peas with Caramelized Onions

• Ingredients: Add 1 large onion, thinly sliced and caramelized.
• Method: Caramelize the onions in the butter over medium-low heat until golden and sweet, about 15-20 minutes. Proceed with the recipe, adding the flour to the onions.
• Flavor Profile: Caramelized onions add a sweet, rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with the creamy peas.

6. Cheesy Creamed Peas

• Ingredients: Add 1 cup of shredded cheese (such as Parmesan, Cheddar, or Gruyère).
• Method: Stir in the cheese after the sauce has thickened, just before adding the peas.
• Flavor Profile: The addition of cheese makes the dish even richer and adds a savory, tangy element.

7. Vegan Creamed Peas

• Ingredients: Substitute butter with vegan butter, milk with almond or soy milk, and omit the heavy cream.
• Method: Follow the recipe as directed, using the vegan substitutes.
• Flavor Profile: This variation maintains the creamy texture and flavor while being suitable for a vegan diet.

8. Garlic and Parmesan Creamed Peas

• Ingredients: Add 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Method: Sauté the garlic in the butter before adding the flour. Stir in the Parmesan cheese after the sauce has thickened.
• Flavor Profile: The garlic and Parmesan add a robust, savory flavor to the creamy peas.

By experimenting with these variations, you can customize Creamed Peas to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making this classic dish even more versatile and enjoyable.

FAQs:

1. Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas?

Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen peas. Simply blanch the fresh peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until they are tender, then drain them and proceed with the recipe as directed.

2. Can I make Creamed Peas ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Creamed Peas ahead of time. Prepare the dish as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.

3. How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?

To prevent lumps in the sauce, whisk the flour into the melted butter until smooth before gradually adding the milk. Whisk constantly while adding the milk and continue stirring until the sauce thickens.

4. Can I use a different type of milk?

Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as 2%, skim milk, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond or soy milk. Keep in mind that using lower-fat milk or non-dairy alternatives may result in a slightly less rich and creamy sauce.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can omit it altogether or substitute it with an equal amount of additional milk or half-and-half. This will result in a slightly less rich sauce but will still be delicious.

6. Can I freeze Creamed Peas?

While you can freeze Creamed Peas, the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze them, place them in a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

7. How can I add more flavor to the dish?

You can add more flavor by incorporating ingredients like cooked bacon, caramelized onions, garlic, mushrooms, or cheese. Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley also enhance the flavor. Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.

8. Are Creamed Peas gluten-free?

The traditional recipe for Creamed Peas is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can make a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch as a thickener instead of all-purpose flour.

Creamed Peas are an easy and delightful side dish that brings a touch of elegance to your table. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes, they are perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 8

By following this simple recipe, you can transform frozen peas into a luxurious and comforting side dish that everyone will love.