Creamed peas and potatoes are the epitome of down-home comfort food. This simple yet satisfying dish, featuring tender new potatoes and sweet peas enveloped in a luscious cream sauce, is a timeless classic enjoyed across generations. While this recipe embodies the spirit of hearty, home-style cooking, it’s a dish that resonates with everyone who appreciates simple, flavorful meals.
Close-up of creamy Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes, a comforting side dish.
This recipe for Creamed Peas and Potatoes is incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or as a comforting side dish for family gatherings. It reminds me of simple, wholesome meals, the kind that makes you feel good from the inside out. Growing up, dishes like this were staples, and they still bring back fond memories of family dinners.
If you’re looking for a taste of classic comfort food, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and straightforward steps to create a dish that’s both nostalgic and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting, you’ll find this recipe a breeze to follow.
Why You’ll Love This Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe
There are countless reasons why this Creamed Peas and Potatoes recipe is a winner:
- Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, creamy, and utterly satisfying – the perfect definition of comfort food.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most, if not all, of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a quick side dish.
- Versatile: Serve it as a side, over salmon patties, or even as a light vegetarian meal.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and mild flavors.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients to create a hearty and flavorful dish.
Ingredients for Creamed Peas and Potatoes
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful side dish:
- New Red Potatoes: 1 1/2 pounds, small and red, peeled. New potatoes are perfect because of their thin skin and slightly sweet flavor. Yukon gold or fingerling potatoes can also be used.
- Peas: 2 cups fresh garden peas or one 13-ounce bag of frozen baby sweet peas. Frozen peas are a convenient and delicious option when fresh peas aren’t available.
- Butter: 6 tablespoons of real butter. Butter is essential for richness and flavor in the white sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: 6 tablespoons. This helps to thicken the cream sauce.
- Salt: 3/4 teaspoon. Enhances the flavors of all ingredients.
- Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon. Adds a subtle warmth and spice.
- Milk: 3 cups. Whole milk creates the richest and creamiest sauce, but 2% milk will also work.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamed Peas and Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create perfect Creamed Peas and Potatoes every time:
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Cook the Potatoes: Peel and quarter the new potatoes if they are large, leaving smaller ones whole. Place them in a pot of cold, salted water and bring to a boil. Cook until tender when pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
Preparing new potatoes for Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes recipe. -
Cook the Peas: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the peas. If using frozen peas, cook them according to package directions until tender. If using fresh peas, steam or boil them until just tender-crisp, about 3-5 minutes. Drain well.
Cooking frozen peas for the creamed peas and potatoes recipe. -
Make the White Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Melting butter in a saucepan for the creamy white sauce. -
Create a Roux: Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the melted butter.
Adding flour to melted butter to make a roux for white sauce. -
Cook the Roux: Immediately start whisking the butter and flour mixture constantly over medium heat. Continue whisking for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This step is crucial for a smooth, non-floury sauce.
Whisking butter and flour mixture for a smooth white sauce. -
Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Adding milk to the roux to create the creamy white sauce. -
Simmer and Finish: Continue whisking and cooking the sauce over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. This will take about 10-15 minutes. For a thicker sauce, use slightly less milk; for a thinner sauce, add a bit more milk. Remove from heat once thickened.
Creamy white sauce thickening in a saucepan for creamed peas and potatoes. -
Combine and Serve: Gently fold the cooked potatoes and peas into the creamy white sauce.
Close-up of creamy Pioneer Woman Creamed Peas and Potatoes, a comforting side dish. -
Serve Hot: Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish!
Tips for Perfect Creamed Peas and Potatoes
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook potatoes until tender but not mushy. You want them to hold their shape in the cream sauce.
- Fresh or Frozen Peas: Both fresh and frozen peas work wonderfully in this recipe. If using fresh, choose young, tender peas for the best flavor.
- Adjust Sauce Thickness: Control the thickness of your white sauce by adjusting the amount of milk. Less milk for thicker, more for thinner.
- Season to Taste: Taste the white sauce before adding the vegetables and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Add Flavor Boosters: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the white sauce, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives when serving.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed Peas and Potatoes are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Classic Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted chicken, pork chops, or ham.
- Over Salmon Patties: A delicious and comforting combination, as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Vegetarian Main Course: Serve over toast or biscuits for a light vegetarian meal.
- Holiday Side: A perfect addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner menu.
Enjoy this timeless comfort food recipe for Creamed Peas and Potatoes! It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
