Description
Creamed Peas and Carrots is a classic, comforting side dish featuring tender peas and diced carrots enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from butter, flour, and milk. Perfect for pairing with a variety of main courses, this easy-to-make recipe delivers a smooth texture and balanced flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 2 cups diced carrots
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: In a saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the peas and diced carrots until tender, usually about 5-7 minutes for fresh or frozen peas and carrots. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Using the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to prepare the roux for the creamy sauce.
- Add Flour: Stir in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute while stirring constantly to eliminate the raw flour taste and start thickening the sauce.
- Incorporate Milk: Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk, ensuring the mixture becomes smooth without lumps, which forms the base of the creamy sauce.
- Thicken Sauce: Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat while stirring constantly until it thickens to a creamy consistency, which usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Vegetables and Sauce: Add the cooked peas and carrots back into the thickened sauce, stirring gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Season: Season the creamed peas and carrots with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to enhance flavor.
- Serve Warm: Once well combined and seasoned, serve the creamed peas and carrots warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Use fresh peas and carrots for best texture, but frozen works well for convenience.
- For a richer flavor, substitute milk with half-and-half or cream.
- Make sure to whisk the milk gradually to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning according to dietary needs or preferences.
- This dish pairs well with roasted meats, grilled chicken, or as part of a holiday meal.
