Looking for a quick, easy, and undeniably delicious weeknight side dish? This recipe for creamy red potatoes and peas delivers on all fronts! Fluffy red potatoes meet sweet, tender peas in a luscious, creamy sauce, making it the perfect comfort food that’s ready in under 30 minutes. This humble yet satisfying side dish is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
What is Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas?
Creamy red potatoes and peas is a simple yet delightful side dish that combines the naturally sweet flavor of green peas with the earthy goodness of red potatoes, all bathed in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a celebration of textures, with the soft, pillowy potatoes complementing the slightly firm peas. The creamy sauce binds everything together, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that’s incredibly satisfying.
This dish is a testament to how basic ingredients, when combined with care, can create something truly special. From the vibrant colours to the comforting taste, it’s a dish that appeals to everyone. It’s also very adaptable; perfect as a base for adding your own twist.
Key Ingredients for Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting side dish:
- 1.5 lbs Red Potatoes: Washed and chopped into 1-inch cubes. Red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and have a slightly sweet flavour.
- 1 cup Frozen Peas: No need to thaw them beforehand.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: This is the key to the creamy sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative for a slightly less rich version.
- 1/4 cup Butter: Adds richness and flavour to the sauce. Unsalted butter is preferred, allowing you to control the salt level in the dish.
- 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: Used to thicken the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Milk: Use whole milk for the best flavour and consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavour.
- 1/4 teaspoon Onion Powder: Enhances the overall savoury flavour.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavours.
- 1-2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped, for garnish and fresh flavour.
How to Make Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas:
This creamy red potatoes and peas recipe is quick, easy, and wonderfully satisfying. The combination of fluffy potatoes, sweet peas, and a rich, creamy sauce makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Preparation time is only about 10 minutes, and cooking time tops out around 20 minutes, giving you a delicious side dish in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Boil the Potatoes: Place the chopped red potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain the potatoes and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux.
Add Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce starts to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Incorporate Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
Combine Potatoes and Peas: Add the drained potatoes and frozen peas to the cream sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer and Serve: Cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas:
This recipe offers three standout features that make it a must-try. Firstly, the creamy texture distinguishes it as a comfort food classic; the sauce is incredibly rich and coats the potatoes and peas perfectly, creating a satisfying mouthfeel. Secondly, making this dish at home is incredibly cost-effective. Red potatoes and peas are relatively inexpensive ingredients, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and comforting side. Lastly, the subtle but distinct flavor profile, featuring garlic and onion powder, enhances the natural sweetness of the peas and the earthiness of the potatoes. The optional fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness that elevates the whole dish.
If you enjoy this creamy side dish, you might also like Scalloped Potatoes, however, this recipe offers a quicker preparation time and simpler ingredients.
Ready to experience the creamy, comforting goodness for yourself? Make this creamy red potatoes and peas recipe at home!
What to Serve Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas With:
This creamy red potatoes and peas dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some winning combinations:
- Roasted Chicken or Turkey: The creamy texture complements the dryness of roasted poultry perfectly.
- Grilled Salmon or White Fish: The rich sauce provides a delicious contrast to the delicate flavor of fish.
- Pork Chops: A classic pairing, the creamy potatoes and peas elevate simple pork chops to a comforting meal.
- Ham: The sweetness of ham is a fantastic complement to the savoury cream sauce and earthy potatoes.
- Vegetarian Options: Serve with grilled vegetable skewers or a hearty lentil loaf for a complete and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas:
- Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook until just fork-tender. Overcooked potatoes will become mushy and lose their shape in the sauce.
- Use Fresh Peas (If Available): If you have access to fresh peas, they will add an even brighter flavour to the dish. Simply add them to the pot with the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
- Add Cheese: For an extra layer of flavour, try adding some shredded cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese to the sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
5 Facts about Creamy Red Potatoes and Peas:
- Origin: Potatoes and Peas have been staples in European cuisines for centuries, and Creamy versions of these dishes have been common for generations, mainly in home cooking.
- Nutritional Value: Red potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fibre. Peas are packed with vitamins A and K, as well as antioxidants.
- Vegetarian Friendly: The ingredients are suitable for lacto-ovo vegetarians, or can be adapted for vegans with plant-based substitutions like oat milk.
- Global Appeal: Creamy potato and pea variations are found in countless cultures with unique spices and twists.
- The recipe is very customizable. Aside from seasonings, one can add extra vegetables like carrots or other frozen vegetable mixes.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: To store leftover creamy red potatoes and peas, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Place a portion of the dish in a microwave-safe bowl. Reheat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Stovetop: Transfer the dish to a saucepan. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, if it has thickened too much.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended as the potatoes and cream sauce might change texture and consistency.
Final Thoughts:
This creamy red potatoes and peas recipe is more than just a side dish; it’s a heaping spoonful of comfort. Its simplicity and adaptability make it a perfect addition to any meal, and its delicious flavour is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight side or a comforting dish to share with family and friends, this recipe is a winner.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest