Potatoes and Peas with Cream Sauce Four to six servings
The following ingredients are needed: 1.5 pounds of peeled and diced potatoes; 1 cup of peas, either fresh or frozen; 3 tablespoons of butter; 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour; and 1 cup of milk, either whole or 2% for richness.
salt (half a teaspoon) and black pepper (quarter of a teaspoon) to taste
- Chop some fresh parsley (optional garnish)
What to do
The first step is to boil the potatoes for around 15 minutes in a big saucepan of salted water, or until they are very soft.
2. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat while the potatoes are boiling. After the butter has melted, add the flour and whisk until a smooth paste forms. Cook for another minute or two to remove any raw flour flavor.
3. Whisk continuously to avoid lumps as the milk is gradually added to the roux (butter and flour combination). After around 5 minutes of cooking, the mixture should thicken into a creamy sauce.
4 After draining, put the potatoes back into the saucepan. Toss the potatoes with the cream sauce and mix gently to blend, taking care not to mash them too much unless that's your thing.
5. Now is the time to add the frozen peas to the saucepan and simmer them on low for another three to four minutes, or until they are cooked through. Stir the fresh peas into the potatoes after steaming them until they are just soft; this will preserve their vibrant color and subtle crunch.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste to the peas and potatoes that have been creamed. If preferred, serve hot with chopped parsley as a garnish.
Tips and Variations-If you're looking to give the meal a little bite, try whisking some cayenne pepper or mustard into the cream sauce.
- Half the milk can be replaced with heavy cream for a richer version, while low-fat milk and a butter replacement can be used for a lighter one.
- Feel free to garnish your peas with chopped fresh mint for an extra burst of flavor and a hint of herbiness.
- Toss in some grated cheddar or parmesan cheese with the melting sauce before adding the peas and potatoes for a cheese lover's twist.
- You might want to try roasting the potatoes instead of boiling them if you have the time. The result will be a more robust taste and a texture that can withstand the cream sauce.
