If you are searching for a comforting, classic side dish that is both creamy and vibrant, this Creamed Peas Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the sweet tenderness of peas with a luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is surprisingly simple to make yet impressively satisfying, perfect for brightening up any meal with its fresh flavor and creamy texture. Whether you’re pairing it with a Sunday roast or a weekday dinner, Creamed Peas Recipe never fails to delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on a handful of simple staples that come together effortlessly to create an incredibly delicious dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from adding richness to balancing sweetness and delivering that perfect creamy consistency.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Provides a rich, smooth base and helps create the roux for the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Acts as a thickening agent to give the sauce that luscious, creamy texture.
- Half-and-half (2 cups): The perfect dairy choice for creaminess without being too heavy or overwhelming.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors without making the dish salty.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle, warming spice to balance the sweetness of the peas.
- Granulated sugar (1 tablespoon): Highlights the natural sweetness of the peas and complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Frozen peas (20 ounces): Easy to use and retains great flavor and color, giving the dish freshness and vibrancy.
How to Make Creamed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Make the Roux
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over it. Whisk them together to form a smooth paste, which will be the foundation for your creamy sauce. This step is crucial because the roux thickens the sauce and ensures a silky texture without lumps.
Step 2: Incorporate the Half-and-Half
Slowly pour in the half-and-half while whisking continuously. This gradual addition prevents the sauce from curdling and helps blend the roux into a creamy base. Then stir in the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and granulated sugar. The sugar accentuates the peas’ delicate sweetness, while the salt and pepper provide balance.
Step 3: Simmer for Perfection
Bring the mixture to a low simmer, stirring often. You’ll want to cook it until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. This step transforms the sauce into a luscious blanket that perfectly coats the peas, giving the dish its signature richness.
Step 4: Add the Peas
Gently stir in your frozen peas, continuing to cook over medium heat until the peas are warmed through. This keeps them tender but still slightly firm, preserving their bright color and fresh flavor, which really makes the dish pop.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed right away when it’s warm, creamy, and at its peak flavor. If you wait too long, the sauce can thicken further and the peas may lose some of their vibrant character.
How to Serve Creamed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a thoughtful garnish elevates this simple side dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes that complement the creamy texture. A little grated Parmesan cheese can also bring a savory depth that melds beautifully with the sauce.
Side Dishes
Creamed peas work wonderfully alongside classic comfort foods. Picture them next to roasted chicken, baked ham, or a juicy steak. Their creamy sweetness contrasts perfectly with salty or smoky meats, making for a truly balanced plate. They also pair well with mashed potatoes or buttery biscuits for a comforting Southern-inspired feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit more creative, try serving the creamed peas over toasted bread or as a vibrant topping for baked potatoes. You could also fold them into a warm pasta dish for an unexpected twist, or use them as a filling for savory crepes. These ideas take your Creamed Peas Recipe beyond an ordinary side and make it the star of the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamed peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken as it chills, but it will still taste wonderful when reheated.
Freezing
Freezing is possible but not ideal for this Creamed Peas Recipe. Dairy-based sauces can sometimes separate upon thawing, affecting the creamy texture. If you do freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the creamed peas gently on the stovetop over low heat. Stir often to prevent scorching and, if necessary, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen the sauce back to its silky, smooth consistency.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas will work beautifully in this recipe. Since fresh peas tend to be sweeter and cook faster, add them during the last few minutes of cooking to keep their vibrant color and delicate texture.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute with unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk mixed with a little vegan butter to help thicken the sauce. Keep in mind the taste will be a bit different but still deliciously creamy.
How can I make this recipe more flavorful?
Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a small amount of minced garlic to the sauce. These subtle additions enhance the complexity without overpowering the freshness of the peas.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and peas separately and combine them just before serving. However, it’s best eaten fresh for the creamiest texture and brightest flavor.
What can I add to make this a main dish?
Incorporate diced cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or sautéed mushrooms to turn this already hearty side into a satisfying main course.
Final Thoughts
This Creamed Peas Recipe is a wonderful example of how something simple can taste so extraordinary. It’s quick to whip up, delightfully creamy, and packed with bright, fresh flavor that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I promise that once you try it, it’ll become a beloved staple in your kitchen. So why wait? Grab those peas and get cooking — your taste buds will thank you!
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Creamed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully creamy and comforting, this Creamed Peas recipe combines tender peas with a rich, buttery white sauce that’s seasoned with a hint of sugar and pepper. Perfect as a classic side dish, it’s quick to prepare and delivers a smooth texture and balanced flavor that’s sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups half-and-half
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Vegetables
- 20 ounces frozen peas
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Combine Flour: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux.
- Add Half-and-Half and Seasonings: Gradually whisk in the half-and-half until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Add the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and granulated sugar; whisk well to evenly incorporate all the seasonings.
- Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking and whisking for about 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Cook the Peas: Stir in the frozen peas, making sure they are fully immersed in the sauce. Cook the peas until they are warmed through, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once the peas are hot and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and serve the creamed peas immediately as a savory side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas as desired; frozen peas are convenient and retain sweetness.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper to taste.
- For a richer creaminess, substitute half-and-half with heavy cream if preferred.
- Make sure to continuously whisk when adding flour and liquids to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a vegetarian meal.
