If you are craving a comforting side dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender russet potatoes and sweet peas in a luscious, velvety cream sauce that’s enhanced by the gentle aroma of sautéed onions and a hint of dill. The simplicity of this recipe belies its rich flavor, creating an easy yet impressive dish that pairs beautifully with a range of mains, making it a true weeknight winner or a charming addition to holiday spreads.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building balanced flavors and a pleasing texture. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the fresh pop of frozen peas, every component works harmoniously.
- Russet potatoes (2 cups, diced): Starchy and perfect for absorbing creamy sauce without turning mushy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Provides that rich, silky texture that turns this dish into a comforting classic.
- Frozen peas (½ cup): Adds a burst of color and sweet, fresh flavor that contrasts the potatoes beautifully.
- Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Offers a subtle sweetness when sautéed that builds the depth of flavor in the sauce.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): For sautéing onions and adding a touch of richness.
- Dried dill (¼ teaspoon): A fragrant herb that subtly brightens the cream sauce without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to tie all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Boil the potatoes
Start by placing your diced russet potatoes into a pot of salted water, bringing it up to a boil. Cook these until they are fork-tender, roughly 12 to 15 minutes. The salted water seasons the potatoes right from the start, ensuring the base of your dish has depth.
Step 2: Add the peas
Once the potatoes are nearly done, toss in the frozen peas and let them cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This way, the peas cook gently to a vibrant green while retaining their slight snap. Drain everything carefully and set aside—the stage is set for the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the onion
In a saucepan, melt your tablespoon of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and gently sauté until translucent and fragrant. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, which is crucial for the flavor profile of your cream sauce.
Step 4: Build the cream sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the softened onions. Bring the mixture carefully to a slight boil over medium heat, allowing it to thicken subtly. Remove from heat promptly to prevent the cream from separating but still achieve a luscious texture that will envelop the peas and potatoes.
Step 5: Combine and season
Now, gently stir the potato and pea mixture into the cream sauce. Sprinkle in dried dill along with salt and pepper to taste. The dill adds a light herbaceous note that lifts the richness, while the salt and pepper enhance all the flavors harmoniously. Give everything a final stir, and your Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh, vibrant pop of green and a slight oniony brightness, pairing nicely with the creamy texture. For a subtle crunch and color, try toasted breadcrumbs or a dusting of paprika for a smoky hint.
Side Dishes
This creamy combo shines alongside roasted meats like chicken, pork, or beef, creating a comforting and hearty meal. It also pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or a simple green salad for a lighter contrast, making it extremely versatile for many meal occasions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the creamed peas and potatoes in individual ramekins or hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bell peppers to impress guests. Layer it in a casserole dish topped with melted cheese and breadcrumbs for a baked variation that adds golden crispness on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping it chilled promptly ensures the cream sauce stays fresh and flavorful for a quick, satisfying next-day side.
Freezing
Because of the cream, freezing can slightly change the texture, but it’s still possible. Freeze the dish in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain the best taste and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling. Adding a splash of fresh cream or milk while warming up helps revive the creamy texture, making it taste just as delightful as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can add an even sweeter flavor and more vibrant texture, but just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly as they tend to cook faster than frozen ones.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream if you prefer a dairy-free version, though this will add a different but delicious twist to the dish.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Definitely! Fresh thyme or tarragon both complement the creamy peas and potatoes nicely. Feel free to experiment with herbs you love to personalize the flavor.
What type of potatoes work best?
Russet potatoes are ideal for their ability to absorb flavors and hold texture, but Yukon Gold is a great alternative if you want a slightly buttery flavor and creamier consistency.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by using a plant-based butter and a creamy substitute like cashew cream, this dish can be prepared vegan-style without losing that rich and comforting feel we all love.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe becomes one of your go-to dishes when you need something simple, soothing, and delicious. It’s one of those recipes that brings warmth to the table and a smile to your face, perfect for sharing with family and friends. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy this classic comfort food in your own kitchen.
Print
Creamed Peas and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamed Peas and Potatoes is a comforting and creamy side dish featuring tender diced russet potatoes and sweet peas simmered in a rich heavy cream sauce with sautéed onions and a hint of dill. This easy recipe comes together with minimal ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners or holiday meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups diced russet potatoes
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Seasonings
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Potatoes: Boil diced russet potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender, ensuring they are cooked through but not falling apart.
- Cook Peas: Add frozen peas to the boiling potatoes and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until peas are tender. Then drain the mixture and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat and sauté the finely diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream to the sautéed onions and bring the mixture to a slight boil. Allow it to thicken slightly, then remove from heat to prevent curdling.
- Combine and Season: Gently combine the cooked potatoes and peas with the creamy onion sauce. Season with dried dill, salt, and pepper according to taste. Mix well and serve warm for a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen peas based on availability; if using fresh peas, adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor variety.
- Do not overcook potatoes to avoid mushy texture; they should hold their shape well.
- Serve this dish alongside roasted meats or grilled vegetables to complete your meal.
