Creamed Peas And Pearl Onions
Creamed peas and pearl onions offer a rich, savory side with smoky bacon and creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice bacon into 1/4 inch strips.
- In a heavy bottomed skillet, fry bacon strips until crisp.
- Remove bacon and retain grease in skillet.
- Add butter to the bacon grease and melt over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper to the sauce.
- Add pearl onions and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Stir in green peas and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
- Crumble bacon and sprinkle over the creamed peas and onions before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the milk with heavy cream. If fresh pearl onions are unavailable, frozen or even shallots can work well. To make this dish vegetarian, omit the bacon and use olive oil for sautéing, along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding a pinch of garlic powder can enhance the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the creamed peas and pearl onions as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Grannie'S Chicken Casserole, providing a comforting and hearty meal. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving as it can change the texture of the peas and onions.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamed Peas And Pearl Onions contains roughly 265 calories, with 12g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (224% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (43% of the Daily Value), and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 954mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used in this recipe. Just be sure to blanch them briefly before adding to the sauce to ensure they are tender and bright in flavor. This will enhance the overall freshness of the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamed peas and pearl onions a few hours in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving. However, it's best to add the bacon just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
What can I serve with creamed peas and pearl onions?
This dish pairs well with a variety of mains, especially grilled meats or hearty casseroles like Chicken Cavalatte. A simple side salad can also complement the flavors nicely, adding freshness to your meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).