Creamed Potatoes and Peas Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs red potatoes, boiled
- ¼ cup butter
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 1 ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 10 oz. frozen peas
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Cut potatoes in half and place on greased baking pan.
- Sprinkle peas over potatoes.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk, stirring constantly until the right consistency.
- Pour sauce over vegetables.
- Top with bacon and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Popular Questions and Answers:
- Can I use a different type of potato?
- Yes, you can use other types of potatoes like Yukon Gold or russet potatoes if you prefer. Adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh peas if they are in season. Just blanch them briefly before adding to the dish.
- Can I omit the bacon for a vegetarian version?
- Absolutely! You can omit the bacon or replace it with vegetarian bacon or smoked tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Can I use whole milk instead of evaporated milk?
- Yes, you can substitute whole milk for evaporated milk, but the consistency of the sauce may be slightly different.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold from the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze leftovers?
- Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Can I add cheese to the sauce?
- Yes, you can add grated cheese like cheddar or Parmesan to the sauce for extra flavor. Stir it in until melted before pouring over the vegetables.
- Can I use gluten-free flour?
- Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for regular flour if you need to avoid gluten.
- How do I know when the potatoes are done?
- The potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, meaning you can easily pierce them with a fork without resistance.
- What can I serve with Creamed Potatoes and Peas?
- This dish pairs well with roasted chicken, grilled steak, or a simple green salad.
- Can I use fresh onions instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh diced onions instead of frozen. Sauté them briefly in butter until softened before adding to the sauce.
- Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?
- Yes, you can use almond milk or any other non-dairy milk as a substitute for regular milk if you prefer.
- How can I make this dish dairy-free?
- You can make this dish dairy-free by using a non-dairy butter substitute and non-dairy milk alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk.
- Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, you can add other vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or corn to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How long does this dish last in the refrigerator?
- This dish will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat before serving.
Here are some secrets to achieve the perfect Creamed Potatoes and Peas:
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for waxy potatoes like red potatoes for this dish. They hold their shape well during boiling and have a creamy texture.
- Boil Potatoes Correctly: Boil the potatoes until they are just tender. Overcooking them can result in mushy potatoes, which won’t hold up well in the dish.
- Balance the Creaminess: Adjust the ratio of milk and flour to achieve the desired creaminess of the sauce. You want it to be smooth and creamy without being too thick or too thin.
- Season Well: Season each component of the dish generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Sauté the Onions: Sautéing the onions before adding them to the sauce adds depth of flavor and sweetness to the dish. Cook them until they are translucent and fragrant.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality ingredients, especially when it comes to the dairy products like butter, milk, and cheese. They can significantly impact the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Add Bacon for Flavor: Crumbled bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor to the dish. Cook it until crispy before adding it to the potatoes and peas.
- Don’t Overcook the Peas: If using frozen peas, add them to the dish towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from becoming mushy. They just need to be heated through.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or chives at the end of cooking brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Use Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk adds richness and creaminess to the sauce without making it too heavy. It’s a secret ingredient that makes the dish extra delicious.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the dish. This ensures even cooking and prevents the potatoes from becoming too mushy.
- Grease the Baking Pan: Grease the baking pan well to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: Layer the potatoes, peas, sauce, and bacon evenly in the baking pan to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
- Cover While Baking: Cover the baking dish with foil while baking to trap steam and prevent the dish from drying out.
- Garnish Before Serving: Garnish the dish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley just before serving for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.