Creamy Southern Sweet Peas
This delightful recipe for Creamy Southern Sweet Peas captures the essence of family gatherings around the table. Inspired by cherished memories from Beach Road Chicken House, it brings a rich, creamy texture to tender green peas, making them an irresistible side dish. Simple yet satisfying, this recipe has been passed down through generations and is sure to become a time-honored favorite in your home, too. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, these buttery peas can elevate any meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
green sweet peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained, liquid reserved)
unsalted butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat until fully liquefied.
2
Add the flour, salt, and pepper to the melted butter, stirring continuously to create a smooth paste.
3
Continue cooking the mixture over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring until it becomes bubbly and slightly golden.
4
Gradually remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in one cup of the reserved liquid from the peas.
5
Return the saucepan to medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
6
Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and fold in the drained sweet peas.
7
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the peas are heated through and the sauce is creamy.
8
Serve warm, and enjoy this comforting side dish with your favorite main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Southern Sweet Peas?
A delightful Southern-style side dish featuring tender green peas in a rich, buttery, and creamy sauce.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by cherished memories and flavors from the Beach Road Chicken House.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What kind of peas are used?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of green sweet peas.
Do I need to keep the liquid from the canned peas?
Yes, you must drain the peas but reserve the liquid to use as the base for the creamy sauce.
What type of fat is used for the roux?
You can use 2 tablespoons of either unsalted butter or margarine.
What is the purpose of the all-purpose flour?
The flour is combined with melted butter to create a roux, which thickens the sauce.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
How do I start the cooking process?
Begin by melting the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat until it is fully liquefied.
How do I make the sauce base smooth?
Stir the flour, salt, and pepper into the melted butter continuously to create a smooth paste.
How long should the butter and flour mixture cook?
Cook the mixture over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it is bubbly and slightly golden.
When do I add the reserved pea liquid?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in one cup of the reserved liquid.
Should the mixture be boiled?
Yes, return the saucepan to medium heat and bring it to a gentle boil while stirring constantly.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Stirring constantly while the mixture comes to a boil helps ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
When are the peas added back into the pan?
Once the sauce reaches a boil, reduce the heat and fold in the drained sweet peas.
How long do the peas need to heat?
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the peas are heated through.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a simple yet satisfying recipe that is easy to prepare.
What is the final texture of the dish?
The dish has a rich, creamy texture that perfectly complements the tender peas.
Can I use salted butter?
While the recipe calls for unsalted, you can use salted butter, though you may want to adjust the added salt.
What category of dish is this?
This recipe is categorized as a vegetable side dish.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is a time-honored favorite that has been passed down through generations for family gatherings.
Does this recipe qualify as comfort food?
Absolutely, it is a comforting and buttery side dish that elevates any meal.
What should I serve these peas with?
They are a perfect accompaniment to a main course like chicken, steak, or a holiday roast.
Can I substitute the canned peas with fresh ones?
The recipe is optimized for canned peas using their liquid, but fresh peas could be used if substituted with a different broth.
How much pea liquid is used?
The recipe uses exactly one cup of the reserved liquid from the canned peas.
Should the heat be high?
No, most of the process uses low to medium heat to prevent burning the butter or flour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While best served warm, it can be gently reheated on the stove with a splash of liquid if the sauce thickens too much.
What is the key to the 'Southern' flavor?
The combination of a buttery roux and the specific preparation method inspired by classic Southern eateries.
Is the pepper necessary?
The 1/8 teaspoon of pepper provides a subtle seasoning that balances the richness of the butter and peas.