Pea stew with white sauce

Pea sauté with white sauce: a simple and comforting delight

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Number of servings: 4

If you are looking for a quick and healthy recipe, peas are the perfect choice. The pea sauté with white sauce is not only tasty but also full of nutritional benefits. This recipe combines the delicate texture of peas with a creamy sauce, making it an ideal dish for lunch or dinner. Let's get started!

Necessary ingredients:

1 bag of frozen fine green peas (or 1 large can of peas)
1 white onion
1 red onion
2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
200 ml of milk
3 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of salt
1 bunch of chopped fresh dill (or 3-4 teaspoons of dried dill)
30 g of butter
1 vegetable stock cube (or 1 teaspoon of vegeta)
1-2 teaspoons of sugar

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Thawing the peas: Start by taking the peas out of the freezer and letting them sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, or you can rinse them under cold water to speed up the process. This step is essential to avoid turning the peas into mush when cooking.

2. Preparing the onions: Wash the white and red onions, then drain them. Chop them finely, ensuring the pieces are uniform for even cooking.

3. Heating the oil: In a large skillet, add the olive oil and butter. Heat them over medium heat until the butter completely melts and starts to foam.

4. Sauté the onions: Add the chopped onions to the skillet along with a teaspoon of salt. Cook the onions for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and slightly golden. The aroma of sautéed onions is a precursor to a delicious dish.

5. Add the peas: Once the onions are ready, add the peas to the skillet. Stir well to combine the ingredients and let the peas soften for 5-10 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking.

6. Add water and the stock cube: Pour 300-400 ml of warm water over the peas and add the vegetable stock cube or vegeta. Also, add the sugar, which will help highlight the natural sweetness of the peas. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes.

7. Check the cooking: After 30 minutes, try a few peas with a fork. If they are soft and cooked, it's time to continue. If not, let them cook for a few more minutes.

8. Preparing the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the two tablespoons of flour with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a smooth paste. Then add the milk and mix well. This mixture will thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.

9. Finishing the dish: When the peas are cooked and the water has reduced, add the flour and milk mixture to the skillet. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill (or dried dill) and mix well. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking to the bottom of the skillet. Cook until the sauce thickens and the flour smell disappears, about 10 minutes.

10. Resting the dish: Once the sauce is ready, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes with the lid covered. This step allows the flavors to meld and become more intense.

11. Serving: The pea sauté with white sauce can be served plain or alongside toasted bread for a contrast of textures. Add a few fresh dill leaves on top for an inviting appearance.

Useful tips:

- Cheese variant: For an extra flavor boost, you can add crumbled feta cheese or grated parmesan when adding the sauce.
- Fresh peas: If you have access to fresh peas, use them instead of frozen ones. The taste will be much more intense.
- Adding spices: Don't hesitate to experiment with spices! A little black pepper or a dash of nutmeg can transform this dish into a unique culinary experience.
- Quick cooking: If using canned peas, the cooking time will be significantly reduced, needing only 10-15 minutes.

Nutritional benefits:

Peas are a vegetable rich in protein, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. They are an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their diet and add a source of essential nutrients. Additionally, the white sauce based on milk provides calcium, contributing to bone health.

Pairing suggestions:

This pea sauté pairs perfectly with various dishes such as:

- Chicken or turkey steaks
- Grilled fish
- Basmati rice or quinoa for a vegetarian meal
- Fresh salads for a light lunch

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use fresh peas? Yes, fresh peas are even tastier and can be used instead of frozen ones. Just make sure to cook them until they become soft.

2. How can I store leftover sauté? You can store the pea sauté in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 2-3 days. It can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? For a vegan version, replace the butter with olive oil and use almond or soy milk.

4. How many calories are in a serving? A serving of pea sauté with white sauce has approximately 180-220 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

I hope this recipe for pea sauté with white sauce will delight your taste buds and bring you moments of joy in the kitchen! Cooking is an art, and each recipe is an opportunity to create something special. Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 1 bag of frozen fine green peas (or 1 large can of peas) 1 white onion 1 red onion 2 tablespoons of white flour 200 ml of milk 3 tablespoons of olive oil 1 teaspoon of salt 1 bunch of chopped fresh dill or 3-4 teaspoons of dried dill 30 g of butter 1 vegetable stock cube or 1 teaspoon of vegeta 1-2 teaspoons of sugar.