One of my fondest memories from childhood is sitting in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen, eagerly awaiting her signature dishes. Among her many culinary delights, her Easy Creamed Peas & Pearl Onions always stood out. This recipe, while incredibly simple, evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth that I cherish deeply. The sweetness of the peas combined with the mild, delicate flavor of pearl onions, all enveloped in a creamy, buttery sauce, made every meal feel special.
I remember one particularly chilly evening when my grandmother decided to teach me how to make this dish. We had just come back from the local farmer’s market with a bag full of fresh pearl onions and vibrant green peas. She believed that the key to great cooking was using the freshest ingredients available. As we stood side by side at the stove, she showed me how to whisk the flour into the melted butter until it turned a perfect shade of gold, how to gradually add the milk to avoid lumps, and how to season just right with salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to suit my family’s tastes. Sometimes I add a splash of heavy cream for extra richness, or a pinch of nutmeg to give it a subtle, aromatic twist. It’s the kind of dish that pairs wonderfully with a holiday roast, yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Easy Creamed Peas & Pearl Onions recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home too. So, grab your apron and let’s recreate this timeless classic together!
How to Make Creamed Peas & Pearl Onions
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons butter (unsalted)
- 8 ounces fresh pearl onions
- 2 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 pinches ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1-2 splashes heavy cream (optional)
Directions
Trim the root ends of the pearl onions and place them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the stem end to remove the peeled onion. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and keep whisking until you get a light golden color.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the frozen peas and the prepared pearl onions to the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
Season with kosher salt and black pepper. If you like, stir in a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of heavy cream.
FAQs:
Can I use canned peas instead of frozen peas?
Yes, you can use canned peas instead of frozen peas. However, because canned peas are already cooked, you should add them towards the end of the cooking process to avoid them becoming mushy.
How do I peel pearl onions easily?
To peel pearl onions easily, trim the root ends and place them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Then, drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the stem end to remove the peeled onion quickly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free. Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk, such as almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly.
What can I use as a thickening agent if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use cornstarch as a thickening agent. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of cold water to form a slurry, then add it to the melted butter, stirring constantly.
How can I enhance the flavor of this dish?
To enhance the flavor of this dish, you can add a pinch of ground nutmeg and a splash of heavy cream. Additionally, you could incorporate fresh herbs such as thyme or parsley, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Easy Creamed Peas & Pearl Onions
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups frozen peas
- 8 ounces fresh pearl onions
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 2 pinches ground nutmeg optional
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1-2 splashes heavy cream optional
Instructions
- Trim the root ends of the pearl onions and place them in boiling water for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Pinch the stem end to remove the peeled onion. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and keep whisking until you get a light golden color.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the frozen peas and the prepared pearl onions to the skillet. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper. If you like, stir in a pinch of nutmeg and a splash of heavy cream.
