Creamed Peas are a classic side dish that combines easy preparation, down-home comfort, and deliciousness.
I’m not sure how early in life I began my love affair with peas. There isn’t a time I remember not liking them. It doesn’t matter if they are raw, canned, frozen, smashed, or puréed; I love them no matter what. This recipe for creamed peas is no different. You get creamy, delicious goodness in every delectable bite.
Puréed peas are one of the first vegetables recommended for babies, but that does not mean they like them. I can’t remember what my kids thought of them as babies, but I do remember my daughter and I shelling and eating raw English peas as she grew up. We also love peas in my macaroni salad recipe and penne alla vodka. In fact, I refuse to order it in a restaurant if it doesn’t have peas.
Are Creamed Peas Healthy?
Full of protein, peas are technically legumes, but most often referred to (and served as) vegetables. This recipe for creamed peas is not the healthiest way to enjoy these delightful little gems, but this dish can be part of a meal featuring lean protein and other vegetables. Besides, one cup of peas contains 7 grams of fiber, 8 grams of protein, and plenty of vitamins and minerals. If desired, you can make this dish healthier by swapping the half and half for milk or dairy-free milk and the butter for extra virgin olive oil.
How To Make It Dairy-Free Or Gluten-Free
This vegetarian creamed peas recipe contains dairy and flour, so it is not a good choice as written for people who are dairy- or gluten-free. However, it is a recipe you can easily alter to meet those dietary needs.
Let’s start by eliminating dairy. You can use any plant-based, dairy-free butter substitute you like in the same quantity. If you want to switch to extra virgin olive oil, use 2 ¾ tablespoons, as you need slightly less for the right consistency. Replace the half-and-half with any refrigerated non-dairy milk. I use plain, unsweetened almond milk with no added ingredients (just almonds and water).
To make a gluten-free roux, you can use various products, but increase the flour to equal the butter or oil. The easiest option is to use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It’s best to use a blend that contains few or no gum binders. Another option is to use a 50/50 mixture of rice and tapioca flours. If you prefer grain-free flour, use cassava and tapioca flours.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen peas
INSTRUCTIONS
Prepare
Melt butter, whisk in flour and half-and-half to make sauce.
Cook
Season sauce, add peas, and heat through.
Serve
Serve the creamed peas hot as a side dish.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Creamed peas are a quick and easy recipe that does not require much effort, so you don’t need to worry about making it ahead. Once cooked, they can last up to 3 days when refrigerated in an airtight container. You can also freeze the creamed peas for up to 3 months in freezer-safe bags or containers and defrost them in the fridge overnight when ready to use.
Drained canned peas are a good substitute for frozen ones in this recipe. They will only need 2-3 minutes of heating time. It’s best to use low-sodium canned peas. If you do not have low-sodium peas, omit the added salt until you have mixed in the peas and tasted it. You may not need additional salt. Try to find cans that say BPA-free on the label. BPA stands for Bisphenol A, a chemical used in manufacturing certain products that can leach into the food in a can or container.
Peas go well with thyme, dill, parsley, oregano, or nutmeg. Adding vegetables like sautéed onions and mushrooms will also enhance the flavor. Some people like to stir in cooked, chopped bacon or pearl onions.
Serving Suggestions
Creamed peas go great with Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak, Chicken And Potatoes, Beef And Pork Meatloaf, or Air Fryer Turkey Breast. Add a salad on the side to round out the meal. Some good dressing suggestions include Italian, Tahini, and Peppercorn Ranch. Enjoy!
Creamed Peas
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 cups half-and-half
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups frozen peas
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour until smooth, forming a roux.
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Gradually add the half-and-half, whisking continuously to prevent lumps, until mixture is smooth and begins to thicken.
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Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce, adjusting to taste.
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Stir in the frozen peas and continue to cook until the peas are heated through, about 5 minutes. Add more half-and-half to thin the sauce if needed.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately as a delicious side dish.
Nutrition
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