Creamed Potatoes Peas: A Comfort Food Classic

Creamed Potatoes and Peas, a dish that whispers of springtime suppers and cozy family gatherings, is about to become your new weeknight hero. Forget bland side dishes; this creamy, comforting creation is so good, it might just steal the show! Have you ever craved something utterly satisfying, yet surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further.

While its exact origins are shrouded in culinary history, the concept of combining potatoes and peas in a creamy sauce has been a staple in many cultures for generations. Think of it as a humble, yet delicious, way to stretch ingredients and create a hearty meal. It speaks to a time when resourcefulness in the kitchen was paramount, and simple pleasures were savored.

What makes creamed potatoes and peas so irresistible? It’s the delightful contrast of textures – the soft, yielding potatoes against the slight pop of the peas – all enveloped in a velvety, flavorful cream sauce. The subtle sweetness of the peas perfectly complements the earthy potatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize! Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs, a dash of your favorite spice, or even some crispy bacon for an extra layer of indulgence. Get ready to experience a classic dish that’s both comforting and incredibly delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Potatoes:

Okay, let’s get started! The first thing we need to do is get our potatoes ready. I like using Yukon Gold potatoes because they have a naturally creamy texture, but Russet potatoes will also work if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure you peel them well!

1. Peel and Quarter the Potatoes: Start by peeling all 2 pounds of your Yukon Gold potatoes. Once they’re peeled, quarter them. This helps them cook evenly and faster.
2. Boil the Potatoes: Place the quartered potatoes in a large pot and cover them with cold water. Add a pinch of salt to the water – this helps season the potatoes from the inside out. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
3. Cook Until Tender: Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce them with a fork without much resistance.
4. Drain the Potatoes: Once the potatoes are tender, carefully drain them in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the water!

Creaming the Potatoes:

Now comes the fun part – making these potatoes super creamy and delicious! This is where the magic happens, and we transform simple boiled potatoes into a comforting and flavorful side dish.

1. Return Potatoes to the Pot: Put the drained potatoes back into the same pot you used for boiling.
2. Mash the Potatoes: Using a potato masher or an electric mixer (on low speed), begin to mash the potatoes. I prefer using a potato masher for a slightly chunkier texture, but an electric mixer will give you a smoother, more refined result. It’s all about personal preference!
3. Add Butter: Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the potatoes. The heat from the potatoes will melt the butter, adding richness and flavor.
4. Incorporate the Cream and Milk: Gradually pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of milk while continuing to mash or mix. Add the cream and milk slowly to prevent the potatoes from becoming too thin. You want a nice, thick, and creamy consistency.
5. Season with Spices: Now it’s time to season! Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder. These spices add a subtle but important layer of flavor.
6. Optional: Add Parmesan Cheese: If you’re using Parmesan cheese (and I highly recommend it!), stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a lovely salty and savory note.
7. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Give the potatoes a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder depending on your preference.
8. Keep Warm: Cover the pot and keep the potatoes warm while you prepare the peas.

Preparing the Peas:

Adding peas to creamed potatoes is a classic combination! The sweetness of the peas complements the richness of the potatoes perfectly. I usually use frozen peas because they’re convenient and readily available, but fresh peas are also a great option if you have them.

1. Cook the Peas: There are a few ways to cook your peas. You can steam them, boil them, or even microwave them. I prefer to steam them because it helps them retain their bright green color and slightly sweet flavor.
2. Steaming Method: To steam the peas, place them in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and steam for about 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are tender-crisp.
3. Boiling Method: Alternatively, you can boil the peas in a small amount of water for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
4. Microwave Method: If you’re short on time, you can microwave the peas. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water, cover, and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp.
5. Drain the Peas: Once the peas are cooked, drain them well.

Combining and Serving:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to bring everything together and create our delicious creamed potatoes with peas. This is the easiest part, I promise!

1. Add Peas to Potatoes: Gently fold the cooked peas into the creamed potatoes. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to mash the peas.
2. Garnish (Optional): If you’re feeling fancy, garnish the creamed potatoes with chopped fresh parsley and/or chives. This adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
3. Serve Immediately: Serve the creamed potatoes with peas immediately while they are still warm and creamy. They make a wonderful side dish for roasted chicken, pork chops, or even a vegetarian main course.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and variations to make this recipe your own:

• Add Bacon: For a smoky and savory twist, add cooked and crumbled bacon to the creamed potatoes.
• Use Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary.
• Make it Vegan: Use plant-based butter, cream, and milk to make this recipe vegan.
• Add Cheese: Try different types of cheese like cheddar, Gruyere, or fontina.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for creamed potatoes with peas! It’s a classic comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Let me know in the comments if you try it and how it turns out!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This Creamed Potatoes and Peas recipe is truly a must-try, and I’m not just saying that. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food nostalgia and fresh, vibrant flavors. The creamy, dreamy potatoes, combined with the sweetness of the peas, create a symphony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck.

Why is this recipe a winner? Because it’s simple enough for even the most novice cook to master, yet sophisticated enough to impress your guests. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to your own preferences and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* As a Side Dish: This Creamed Potatoes and Peas recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, baked ham, or grilled fish. It’s also a fantastic addition to any holiday meal.
* Make it a Main Course: Add some cooked bacon or ham to the mixture for a heartier, more substantial meal. You could even stir in some shredded chicken or turkey.
* Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
* Go Vegetarian/Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and substitute the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream. Just be sure to choose an unsweetened variety. You can also use vegan butter.
* Add More Veggies: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables. Carrots, green beans, or even corn would be delicious additions.
* Herb It Up: Fresh herbs can really elevate the flavor of this dish. Try adding some chopped parsley, chives, or dill.
* Cheesy Goodness: Stir in some shredded cheddar cheese or Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.

I truly believe that this Creamed Potatoes and Peas recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that you can whip up on a busy weeknight or serve to impress your friends and family at a special occasion. It’s comforting, delicious, and endlessly adaptable.

Now, it’s your turn! I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic for yourself. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. I’m confident that you’ll love the results.

Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of Creamed Potatoes and Peas enthusiasts! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Happy cooking!