Creamed Potatoes and Peas

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cook time: 25 minutes

• Total time: 40 minutes

• Servings: 6

• Difficulty: Easy

This is a low to medium intensity recipe. It involves basic stovetop cooking and light chopping, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate cooks.

Ingredients

For the Potatoes and Peas:

• 1 ½ lbs (about 4 medium) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes

• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen green peas

• 1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for boiling potatoes)

For the Cream Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk (warm)

• ½ cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp garlic powder (optional)

• ¼ tsp onion powder (optional)

• Fresh herbs for garnish (such as parsley or chives), optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and a nice bite in the final dish. Place the diced potatoes in a pot of cold water with 1 tsp salt and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter if desired for extra flavor.

Boil for about 10–12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender but not falling apart. Test with a fork — it should pierce the potato easily, but the cubes should still hold their shape.

Drain the potatoes gently and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Peas

If you’re using fresh peas, blanch them by boiling in lightly salted water for about 2–3 minutes, then drain and set aside.

If using frozen peas, you can either microwave them for 2–3 minutes with a splash of water or boil them briefly for 2 minutes. Drain thoroughly.

Set peas aside while you prepare the cream sauce.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Once the butter is melted and slightly bubbling, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour. This forms a roux — the base of your creamy sauce.

Stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown.

Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Once the milk is incorporated, add the heavy cream (if using), and keep stirring until the sauce thickens — this will take about 5–7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Combine and Simmer

Once your cream sauce is thick and flavorful, gently fold in the cooked potatoes and peas. Stir to coat everything evenly.

Let the mixture simmer over low heat for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to soak slightly into the potatoes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more milk to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the dish is hot, creamy, and well combined, remove it from heat. Taste one final time and adjust seasoning if needed.

Spoon into a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve hot alongside your favorite protein like roasted chicken, baked ham, grilled sausage, or enjoy it as a stand-alone vegetarian main course.

Serving Suggestions

Creamed Potatoes and Peas pairs well with:

• Roasted or grilled meats (chicken, pork chops, or turkey)

• A crusty slice of buttered bread

• A fresh green salad

• Sauteed mushrooms or caramelized onions stirred in for a twist

For a heartier version, you can also add:

• Diced ham or cooked bacon bits

• Sautéed onions or leeks

• A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 250–300 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35–40g

• Protein: 6–7g

• Fat: 10–15g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugars: 5g

• Cholesterol: 20–30mg

• Sodium: 450mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on brands and optional ingredients used.