Introducing Creamed Peas

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Introducing Creamed Peas

Creamed peas hold a special place in my family's Easter celebrations, and I bet they're a beloved dish in many households across the South and Midwest of the United States! This dish is adored for its simplicity; with just a few easy steps, these humble vegetables transform into something rich, warm, and truly special. However, this creamed peas recipe isn't just for festive gatherings! It's also a fantastic choice for busy workdays, and even picky eaters are likely to enjoy it.

Ingredients and Preparation

The ingredients for this creamed peas dish are incredibly straightforward: frozen peas, butter, all-purpose flour, and heavy cream. I typically just add a pinch of sugar, salt, and pepper along with the peas to create a side dish that is both classic and easy to make. If you enjoy creamed corn, you’re sure to love this pea version!

Peas are one of the first vegetables I plant in my garden at the end of winter and the beginning of spring here in Tennessee, so every dish featuring peas feels like a welcoming celebration of the impending warm season. My daughter, Velvet, also adores peas, so this dish has naturally become her favorite! To be honest, peas are not only delicious but also nutritious, affordable, and available year-round. Did you know that peas are a great source of protein, fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folic acid? Each bite of creamed peas feels like a little act of self-care.

Success Tips for Cooking

The first tip for making this dish even better is to cook the roux long enough. You should let the butter and flour cook together for about 2-3 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while keeping the color light.

Next, start with cream at room temperature. I usually let the cream warm up a bit before adding it to the pan to help it blend more easily. The roux will stabilize everything, so you don’t have to worry about the cream separating, but using room temperature cream and cooking over low heat will reduce the chances of that happening.

Once your sauce reaches a nice, thick consistency, lower the heat. When the sauce is thick enough to cling to a spoon without immediately dripping off, that’s when you should add the peas, stir well, and enjoy!

Creamed Peas Recipe

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 (1/2 cup each)
• Total Cost: $2.21 for the entire recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup heavy cream at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 12 oz. frozen peas, thawed and rinsed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

The first step is to rinse the frozen peas and let them drain. Then, in a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir continuously for about 2-3 minutes to create a roux for the cream sauce.

Next, gradually add the cream to the roux, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth. When the sauce starts to thicken but can still fall off the spoon, reduce the heat to medium-low.

Finally, add the sugar, salt, pepper, and thawed peas to the skillet, stirring until everything is combined and heated through. You can enjoy your creamed peas while they’re still warm!

Customization Options

This creamed peas dish is so simple that you can easily adapt it to your liking. Feel free to add in onions, bacon, mushrooms, Parmesan cheese, potatoes, spinach, or fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This creamed peas dish is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen it up if it has thickened too much.

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