Description
Grandma’s classic Creamed Peas and Potatoes recipe brings nostalgic comfort from rural kitchens with simple ingredients. Hearty side dishes connect generations through warm memories shared around family dinner tables.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (454 g) baby potatoes (red or yellow), halved or quartered if large
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) fresh or frozen peas
- 2 tbsps (30 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer sauce)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, or to taste
- ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ tsp onion powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp (3 g) fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Potato Preparation: Submerge potatoes in heavily salted water. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer until fork-tender, about 12-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Pea Processing: Blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or warm frozen peas in the microwave until heated through. Ensure peas maintain their vibrant color and tender texture.
- Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a medium saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a smooth roux, then gradually stream milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce until it thickens and reaches a silky consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes.
- Seasoning Symphony: Enrich the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly to distribute the aromatic spices evenly throughout the creamy base.
- Final Assembly: Gently fold cooked potatoes and peas into the velvety sauce, ensuring each ingredient is completely coated. Warm the mixture over low heat, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the creamy pea and potato medley to a serving dish. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
Maximize Potato Tenderness: Select small, uniform potatoes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
Prevent Sauce Lumps: Whisk flour and butter continuously and add milk gradually, stirring constantly to create a smooth, silky cream sauce without unwanted clumps.
Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with herbs like thyme or dill instead of parsley, or add crispy bacon bits for extra depth and texture in the dish.
Dietary Adaptation Options: Swap whole milk with almond or oat milk for a lighter version, use gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly alternative, or replace butter with olive oil for a vegan-friendly preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg