This Creamed Peas and Potatoes dish is a creamy, comforting side perfect for any meal. The rich flavors of Yukon Gold potatoes, fresh peas, and aromatic onions come together in a velvety cream sauce with a hint of dill. It’s a family recipe passed down through generations, bringing both warmth and nostalgia to the table.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
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2 cups diced russet potatoes (approximately ½-inch cubes)
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1 cup high-quality heavy cream
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½ cup premium frozen peas
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½ medium-sized onion, finely diced
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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¼ teaspoon dried dill
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Salt and pepper, adjusted to preference
Directions
Boil the Potatoes and Peas:
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Dice the russet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until tender.
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Add the frozen peas to the pot and continue boiling for another 3-5 minutes. Drain the potatoes and peas, then set them aside.
Sauté the Onions:
3. In a clean saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce:
4. Pour the heavy cream into the saucepan with the onions. Bring to a slight boil, then remove from heat once the cream begins to thicken.
Combine and Season:
5. Carefully mix the boiled potatoes and peas into the creamy mixture.
6. Season with dried dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until well-combined.
Serve:
7. Serve hot as a comforting side dish with your favorite main course.
Nutrients
(Nutritional estimates per serving; values may vary)
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Calories: ~250
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Fat: ~15g
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Saturated Fat: ~8g
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Carbohydrates: ~30g
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Sugars: ~4g
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Protein: ~3g
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Fiber: ~4g
A Rich and Creamy Sauce
The key to this dish is the rich and creamy sauce that ties everything together. Made with heavy cream and sautéed onions, the sauce is flavorful yet delicate. The butter in the pan helps to soften the onions, allowing them to release their natural sweetness, which complements the creaminess of the sauce. As the cream thickens, it creates a velvety texture that coats the potatoes and peas, ensuring each bite is as indulgent as the last. The addition of dill adds an aromatic element that enhances the flavor profile, giving the dish a subtle freshness that balances the richness.
Tender Yukon Gold Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes are the ideal choice for this dish due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. While this recipe uses russet potatoes for their slightly starchier consistency, the Yukon Golds’ natural creaminess complements the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. These potatoes cook to a perfect softness and absorb the creamy sauce, making them an essential component of this dish. When diced into ½-inch cubes, they cook quickly, making it easy to prepare the dish in just a short time.
Sweet Peas for Color and Flavor
Frozen peas are a quick and convenient way to add a pop of color and a sweet, vegetal flavor to this dish. They pair wonderfully with the richness of the cream and potatoes, providing a burst of sweetness with every bite. As the peas simmer in the pot with the potatoes, they become tender and perfectly cooked, offering a contrast in texture to the soft potatoes and the velvety cream sauce. Their vibrant green color also brightens up the dish, making it visually appealing and inviting.
The Role of Dried Dill and Aromatics
The dried dill in this recipe adds a subtle herbal note that complements the creamy sauce and the sweetness of the peas. Dill is a classic pairing with potatoes, and its inclusion in this dish provides an aromatic element that enhances the overall flavor profile. The onions, sautéed in butter, provide a mild sweetness and richness that melds with the cream, ensuring that every bite of the dish is flavorful. These aromatics serve as the base of the sauce, creating a comforting foundation for the potatoes and peas to soak in.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Process
Making Creamed Peas and Potatoes is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced cooking techniques. Start by boiling the potatoes and peas until they are tender, then drain and set them aside. While the vegetables cook, sauté the onions in butter until translucent, allowing them to soften and release their sweetness. Then, add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a slight boil, letting it thicken before combining with the potatoes and peas. A sprinkle of dried dill, salt, and pepper finishes the dish, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that complement each other perfectly.
Perfect for Any Meal
Creamed Peas and Potatoes is an incredibly versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled meats, or a vegetarian main, it adds a creamy, comforting element to the meal. It’s especially perfect for holiday dinners, where it can complement rich mains like turkey or beef roast, but it’s equally delightful for everyday meals. The creamy potatoes and sweet peas make for a satisfying side that everyone will enjoy.
Nutritional Information: A Balanced Side
Each serving of Creamed Peas and Potatoes provides approximately 250 calories, making it a reasonably light side dish, given its creamy nature. The dish offers a good balance of carbohydrates and fat, with 30 grams of carbohydrates and 15 grams of fat per serving. The peas contribute fiber and protein, helping to make this side dish both comforting and nutritious. With 4 grams of fiber per serving, it’s a great way to get some extra vegetables into your meal without compromising on taste.
Conclusion: A Comforting Classic
Creamed Peas and Potatoes is the ultimate side dish that brings together simplicity and flavor. The rich, creamy sauce, tender potatoes, and sweet peas make it a comforting addition to any meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion. The aromatic onions and dried dill enhance the dish, creating a nostalgic flavor profile that’s both indulgent and satisfying. With easy preparation and a wonderful balance of flavors, this family recipe will quickly become a favorite at your table. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of this classic side dish that never goes out of style.