Nothing says comfort food quite like a warm bowl of creamed peas and carrots. It’s one of those simple, nostalgic side dishes that transports me right back to my childhood kitchen, where the smell of buttery goodness would fill the air. I remember my mom making this for Sunday dinners, and it was always a hit! The sweet, tender peas combined with the vibrant carrots in a creamy sauce create a dish that’s not just delicious but also incredibly satisfying.
This recipe is so easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket. It’s a fantastic way to bring a pop of color and flavor to any plate, and it pairs beautifully with roasted meats or even just a simple grilled chicken. Plus, the kids love it! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll have yourself a comforting side that everyone will cherish just as much as I do.
Ingredients for Creamed Peas and Carrots
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this delightful dish to life! I promise, it’s all super simple and you might already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Feel free to get a little adventurous! If you have some fresh herbs on hand, like parsley or thyme, they’ll really elevate the flavor. And remember, if you’re using frozen peas and carrots, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them straight into the boiling water and you’re good to go!
How to Prepare Creamed Peas and Carrots
Alright, let’s dive into making this comforting side dish! I promise, it’s all about simple steps that lead to creamy, dreamy results. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, and soon you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness ready to be served!
Cooking the Vegetables
First things first, we need to cook those beautiful peas and carrots. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this part is key, so don’t rush it! Once the water is bubbling, toss in the peas and diced carrots. You’ll want to let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, just until they’re tender but still vibrant in color. You can test them by piercing a carrot piece with a fork; if it goes in easily, they’re ready! Once done, drain the veggies and set them aside. Trust me, the vibrant colors will make your heart sing!
Making the Cream Sauce
Now, let’s get saucy! In that same saucepan you used for the veggies, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. I love this part—the aroma of melting butter is just heavenly! Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This helps eliminate that raw flour taste. Next, gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking away! You want to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce. Keep stirring as it cooks and thickens, which should take around 3-5 minutes. You’re looking for a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon—yum!
Combining Ingredients
Alright, we’re almost there! Once your sauce is thickened to perfection, gently fold in the cooked peas and carrots. Give everything a good stir to coat those veggies in that luscious cream sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste—this is where the magic really happens! Adjust to your liking, and then serve it warm. You’re going to love how these flavors come together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a quick and easy side dish that comes together in just 25 minutes!
- With minimal ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for any weeknight dinner.
- The creamy sauce makes every bite comforting and satisfying—just like a warm hug!
- Fresh or frozen vegetables mean you can whip it up any time of the year.
- It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or even as a stand-alone dish.
- Kids and adults alike will devour it! Trust me, it’s a family favorite.
- The vibrant colors on your plate will brighten up any meal and make it feel special.
- You can easily customize it with herbs or spices to suit your taste!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to help you nail this creamed peas and carrots recipe every time! With just a few tweaks and tricks, you can elevate this dish to new heights of deliciousness.
- Don’t skip the salt in the boiling water: It really enhances the flavor of the vegetables. Think of it as seasoning the veggies right from the start!
- Experiment with different herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives can add a lovely freshness to the dish. Just sprinkle them in when you combine the veggies and sauce.
- For an extra rich sauce: Consider swapping out the milk for heavy cream. It’ll give you that ultra-creamy texture that’s just divine!
- Make it cheesy: Stir in some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese right before serving for an added depth of flavor. Cheese makes everything better, right?
- Use a mix of veggies: Feel free to add in some corn or even diced potatoes for a fun twist! It’s a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients.
- Be patient while thickening: If your sauce isn’t thickening as quickly as you’d like, just keep stirring and give it a bit more time. Rushing this step can lead to a runny sauce.
- Serve it warm: This dish is best enjoyed warm; the flavors meld beautifully when served fresh. If you need to keep it warm, cover it with a lid until you’re ready to dig in!
With these tips, you’ll be a pro at making the most delicious creamed peas and carrots. Dive in and enjoy the process—cooking should always be fun and flavorful!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for a serving of this delightful creamed peas and carrots. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it should give you a good idea of what you’re working with:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 4g
This dish isn’t just delicious; it also packs a decent amount of nutrients, thanks to those lovely veggies! So, you can feel good about serving it up at your next meal. Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Absolutely! Frozen peas and carrots are perfect for this recipe, and they can save you some time. Just toss them straight into the boiling water without thawing, and they’ll cook up beautifully. Just remember to check the cooking time; they might need just a minute or two less than fresh veggies, but they’ll be just as delicious!
How can I make this dish richer?
If you want to take the richness up a notch, swap out the milk for heavy cream! It’ll give you that luscious, velvety sauce that’s oh-so-decadent. You can also stir in some grated cheese, like Parmesan or cheddar, right before serving for an extra layer of flavor. Trust me, it’s a game changer!
What can I serve with creamed peas and carrots?
This dish pairs wonderfully with so many things! Think of roasted meats like chicken or beef, or even a nice grilled fish. It’s also great alongside a hearty meatloaf or a comforting pot roast. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, serve it with a lovely grain dish like quinoa or a simple baked potato. Honestly, it’s versatile enough to complement just about any main course you have in mind!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made a delicious batch of creamed peas and carrots, and now you’re wondering how to store those tasty leftovers? No worries, I’ve got you covered! This dish keeps well and is just as comforting even the next day.
To store your leftovers, simply let them cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to label it with the date—trust me, it helps keep track of how long it’s been hanging out in there!
When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best results. Just scoop the amount you want into a small saucepan, add a splash of milk or a bit of water to help loosen up the sauce, and heat over medium-low, stirring gently. This will help bring back that creamy texture without drying it out. If you’re in a rush, you can microwave it, but be sure to cover it to avoid splatters and give it a stir halfway through for even heating.
And voilà! You can enjoy your comforting creamed peas and carrots all over again. They’ll be just as delightful as when they were first made, providing that warm hug of a side dish whenever you need it!
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Creamed Peas and Carrots: 7 Steps to Comforting Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamed peas and carrots is a simple and comforting side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a saucepan, cook peas and carrots in boiling water until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add peas and carrots to the sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats.
- You can use heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Add herbs for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: creamed peas and carrots