Heavenly Creamed Peas

“Heavenly Creamed Peas” is a delightful and comforting dish that blends the sweetness of peas with a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for enhancing any meal.

This dish uses simple, yet flavorful ingredients such as salted butter, chopped shallots, and all-purpose flour to create a smooth foundation. The luxurious texture is achieved by incorporating half-and-half into the base, which is then brought to a simmer to thicken and envelop the tender peas.

Seasonings like white vinegar, freshly grated nutmeg, kosher salt, and black pepper add depth and a slight tang to balance the creaminess. Topped with crispy fried onions, this dish offers a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, rich peas beneath.

Ideal for a cozy dinner or as a festive side dish, Heavenly Creamed Peas promises to be a crowd-pleaser with its blend of simple ingredients and elegant flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups half-and-half
• 3 cups peas, thawed if frozen
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• nutmeg, to taste, freshly grated
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Directions

Step 1 -In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

Step 2 -Add the shallots to the melted butter and cook, while stirring, until just softened but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 3 -Add the flour to the shallots and cook, while stirring, until incorporated and bubbly, about 1 minute.

Step 4 -Slowly add the half-and-half to the flour-shallot mixture, while stirring.

Step 5 -Bring the sauce mixture to a simmer.

Step 6 -Add the peas and cook, while stirring, until the sauce is thickened and the peas are just tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7 -Add the vinegar, the nutmeg, the salt, and the black pepper and stir to combine.

Step 8 -Pour the creamed peas into a serving bowl.

Step 9 -Serve topped with the fried onions.

FAQ for Heavenly Creamed Peas

1. What type of peas should I use for this recipe?
You can use fresh or frozen peas for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them before cooking. Fresh peas can be used directly but may require a slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

2. Can I use a different type of milk instead of half-and-half?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half with whole milk or a combination of milk and cream to adjust the richness to your preference. However, using lighter milks such as skim milk might not provide the same creamy texture.

3. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, and use a dairy-free milk like almond, soy, or oat milk in place of the half-and-half. Ensure the milk substitute you choose has a higher fat content for better creaminess.

4. How can I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk if the sauce has thickened too much upon cooling.

5. Can I add other ingredients to the creamed peas?
Absolutely! Consider adding mushrooms, diced carrots, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor. You can also include herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh touch.