Fresh Country Peas
Fresh Country Peas offers tender peas with a savory bacon and onion flavor, coated in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect as a comforting side dish for any wholesome meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1-quart microwavable casserole, combine peas, sliced onion, and water.
- Cover and vent, then microwave on High 6 to 9 1/2 minutes, or until vegetables are tender; set aside.
- In a microwavable bowl, microwave bacon until crisp; drain. Discard excess fat if using margarine.
- If using margarine or bacon fat, leave 1 tablespoon in the bowl.
- Stir in flour and sugar into the margarine or fat.
- Stir in chicken broth until smooth.
- Microwave sauce on High 1 to 2 minutes or until thick, stirring every 30 seconds.
- Drain water from vegetables and add sauce; toss to coat.
- Spoon into a serving bowl; sprinkle with cooked bacon.
Tips & Substitutions
For enhanced flavor, sauté the onion in the bacon fat before adding the peas. If fresh peas aren't available, frozen peas can be substituted without losing too much flavor. You can also use olive oil instead of margarine for a healthier option. To elevate the dish, consider adding fresh herbs like mint or parsley.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Oven Fried Chicken Thighs(Microwave) or grilled meats for a hearty meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or cornbread for a complete dining experience. For a more substantial side, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa to the mix.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover. Heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the peas from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Country Peas contains roughly 184 calories, with 8g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (46% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil instead of margarine or bacon fat. You can also enhance the flavor with smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a similar depth.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you want a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of flour used or let the sauce simmer longer in the microwave. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent lumps from forming.
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for additional color and nutrition. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the vegetables you choose to ensure everything cooks evenly.
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).