Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Potatoes and Peas dish is the perfect balance of creamy, tender potatoes and sweet, vibrant peas. The creamy sauce, made with butter, milk, and a bit of flour, adds a rich, velvety texture that coats the vegetables beautifully. The best part? It’s incredibly quick and easy to make, requiring only a handful of ingredients. It’s the ideal side dish for any occasion!
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Potatoes: In a medium saucepan, add the peeled and sliced potatoes. Cover them with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and let the potatoes simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
- Prepare the Cream Sauce: While the potatoes are cooking, melt the butter in another saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk it together with the butter to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Potatoes and Peas: Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and add them back into the pot. Add the peas (whether fresh or frozen) to the potatoes, then pour the creamy sauce over the top. Gently stir to combine and coat the potatoes and peas with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy potatoes and peas immediately as a comforting side dish. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or chopped herbs like parsley for extra flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 servings and takes approximately 35 minutes from start to finish, including 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cook time.
Variations
- Add Cheese: For extra creaminess, you can sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the potatoes and peas and let it melt into the sauce before serving.
- Garlic and Herbs: Add minced garlic and fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the butter before making the roux for added flavor.
- Use Other Vegetables: You can add other vegetables like carrots or corn for added color and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover creamy potatoes and peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the dish on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
1. Can I use red or Yukon Gold potatoes instead of regular potatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of potatoes you prefer, but starchy potatoes like russets tend to make the sauce creamier.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.
3. Can I use frozen peas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen peas work perfectly in this dish. Just add them directly to the cooked potatoes and sauce, and they’ll heat through.
4. How do I know when the potatoes are cooked?
The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork or knife. They should be tender but not falling apart.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using non-dairy butter, milk, and a flour-based roux.
6. Can I add cream instead of milk for a richer sauce?
Yes, for a richer sauce, you can substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for the milk.
7. Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat.
8. Can I freeze this dish?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the creamy potatoes and peas for up to 1 month. Reheat on the stove with a little extra milk to help bring the creaminess back.
9. How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Try adding sautéed onions, garlic, or herbs to the sauce for extra flavor. You can also top it with crispy bacon or fresh herbs for added texture.
10. Can I use mashed potatoes instead of sliced potatoes?
Yes, you can use mashed potatoes for a slightly different texture, but you may need to adjust the sauce consistency since mashed potatoes will absorb more of the cream sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Potatoes and Peas dish is a simple and comforting side that pairs perfectly with any meal. The creamy sauce combined with tender potatoes and sweet peas makes it a satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and delicious to eat. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will add a creamy, comforting touch to your meal.
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Creamy Potatoes and Peas
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Potatoes and Peas dish is a comforting and easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully with any main course. Tender potatoes and sweet peas are coated in a rich, creamy sauce made with butter, milk, and flour. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a holiday meal, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful, ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the Potatoes: In a saucepan, boil peeled and sliced potatoes in water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Cream Sauce: In a separate pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened (3-4 minutes). Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine Potatoes and Peas: Add cooked potatoes and peas to the cream sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
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Serve: Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh black pepper or chopped herbs.
Notes
- Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist.
- Garlic & Herbs: Enhance flavor with minced garlic and thyme or rosemary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
