French Epicurean Peas(14 To 16 Servings)
A rich and creamy French-inspired pea dish with bacon, mushrooms, and a savory sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crispy, then remove and drain the grease.
- Chop bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Fry chopped onion until yellow, then remove from pan.
- Add fresh mushrooms to the pan and sauté until tender.
- In a separate saucepan, make a cream sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and gradually stirring in evaporated milk until thickened.
- Add chopped bacon, sautéed onion, mushrooms, and cooked peas into the cream sauce and mix well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, try substituting crispy Canadian bacon for traditional bacon for a smoky flavor. If you're short on time, use fresh peas instead of frozen. Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce can enhance the flavor profile. Make sure to sauté the mushrooms until they are golden brown for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a side to grilled meats, particularly pork recipes, for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with Japanese Fried Pork Chops or can be enjoyed on its own as a rich vegetarian option. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added color and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also add a splash of milk if the mixture appears too thick upon reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of French Epicurean Peas(14 To 16 Servings) contains roughly 220 calories, with 7g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of protein (14% of the Daily Value) and iron (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 545mg per serving (24% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce and sauté the vegetables a day in advance. Just combine everything before serving and reheat gently. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas can be used in place of frozen. Just make sure to cook them briefly until tender before adding to the cream sauce, as they require less time than frozen peas.
What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
If you don't have evaporated milk on hand, you can use a mixture of whole milk and heavy cream in equal parts. Alternatively, a dairy-free milk option, like unsweetened almond milk, can work, but may alter the flavor slightly.
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).