As the seasons change and cooler weather sets in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish to bring everyone to the table. For your next family gathering or simply a cozy night in, try this Creamed Sweet Potatoes and Peas recipe. With its creamy texture and hint of sweetness, it’s a delightful twist on classic comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish brings together tender sweet potatoes and sweet, earthy peas in a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfectly seasoned. The combination of milk and evaporated milk gives the sauce a luxurious consistency that coats each piece of sweet potato and pea, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. With a hint of pepper, the seasoning is balanced, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, making it both budget-friendly and easy to prepare:
- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor. They’re also packed with nutrients, like vitamins A and C.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce, helping it achieve that perfect creamy consistency.
- Flour: Used to thicken the sauce, flour combines with butter to form a roux, which is the base for any great cream sauce.
- Milk & Evaporated Milk: The combination creates a thick, velvety sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- Peas: Sweet and vibrant, frozen peas work well here because they’re easy to keep on hand and add beautiful color to the dish.
- Pepper & Salt: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Creamed Sweet Potatoes and Peas
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Start by boiling the cubed sweet potatoes in salted water until they’re tender. This typically takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain them and set them aside while you prepare the creamy sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a smooth, bubbly roux, which will thicken the sauce. Gradually add the milk and evaporated milk, whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Season the Sauce: Add pepper and salt to taste. The pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the sweetness of the potatoes and peas without overwhelming them.
- Combine and Serve: Fold in the cooked sweet potatoes and thawed peas, ensuring they’re well-coated with the sauce. Heat everything through before serving it warm.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile. It works as a side for holiday dinners alongside roasted meats or as a comforting main course with a side salad or crusty bread. The sweet potatoes and peas also make it colorful and inviting, adding visual appeal to any spread.
Tips and Variations
- Try Adding Herbs: Fresh thyme or parsley can add
Creamed Sweet Potatoes and Peas
Description
Enjoy a comforting and creamy twist with this delightful dish featuring sweet potatoes and peas. Perfect for any family gathering or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
– 2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– ½ cup butter
– 3 tablespoons flour
– 1 teaspoon pepper
– 1 ½ cups milk
– 1 cup evaporated milk
– 2 cups frozen peas, thawed
– Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Boil the sweet potatoes in a large pot of salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk and evaporated milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to simmer.
4. Season the sauce with pepper and salt, adjusting to taste.
5. Add the cooked sweet potatoes and peas to the sauce, gently folding them in until well coated and heated through.
6. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a comforting main course.