Peas with baked mashed potatoes

Welcome to my kitchen, a place full of delicious aromas and recipes that will delight your taste buds! Today, I will guide you step by step through a wonderful recipe for peas with baked mashed potatoes, a comforting and flavorful combination, perfect for a family meal. Besides being a simple and quick recipe, it brings together fresh and healthy ingredients that will please both your heart and stomach.

Let's get to work!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Necessary ingredients:

- 1.5 kg potatoes (choose white potatoes for a smoother mash)
- Milk (about 200 ml, but adjust according to how creamy you want the mash)
- 100 g butter (for a rich taste and a velvety texture)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 800 g peas (fresh or frozen)
- 500 g boneless chicken breast (you can also use turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 carrot (for added sweetness and color)
- 1 onion (for flavor)
- Fresh dill (for a refreshing taste)
- Vegeta (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon of flour (to thicken the sauce)
- 50 ml homemade broth (or tomato sauce)

Useful tips for choosing ingredients:

When selecting potatoes, opt for those that are smooth, without spots or sprouts. New potatoes are excellent as they have a sweeter taste and creamy texture. If using fresh peas, make sure they are well-formed and vibrant green. Regarding chicken breast, quality meat will make a difference in the final taste of the dish.

Step by step – Cooking the recipe:

1. Preparing the mashed potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 3-4 cm. Boil them in a pot with cold water, adding a teaspoon of salt and a little Vegeta. Boil for 15-20 minutes or until they become soft (test with a fork).
- When ready, drain the water and place them in a large bowl. Add warm milk and cubed butter. Use a mixer or a masher to achieve a smooth mash. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Preparing the peas and chicken mixture:
- Peel and finely chop the onion and carrot. Cut the chicken breast into small cubes.
- In a pot, heat a little oil and add the onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the carrot and chicken cubes, letting them brown slightly.
- Once the meat has turned white, add a little water (about 100 ml) and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the peas and, if necessary, add more water to cover the ingredients. Boil for another 10-15 minutes, until the peas are tender and the meat is cooked.
- Mix the flour with the tomato broth, homogenize well, and add to the mixture in the pot. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes to thicken the sauce. Finally, add the chopped fresh dill.

3. Assembling the dish:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish (or a regular oven-safe dish greased with a little butter), add a generous layer of mashed potatoes, followed by the pea and chicken mixture. Cover with the remaining mash, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the mash is slightly browned and crispy on top.

4. Serving:
- Serve the dish warm, perhaps with a green salad on the side for a contrast of textures and flavors. It is a complete meal that combines protein from the meat with vitamins from the vegetables.

Serving suggestions:
For an extra flavor boost, you can add a yogurt or sour cream sauce with herbs on top. A slice of homemade bread on the side will make the meal even more delicious.

Nutritional benefits:
This recipe is rich in protein due to the chicken breast and contains plenty of vitamins from the vegetables. Peas are an excellent source of fiber, while potatoes provide quality carbohydrates essential for energy.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen peas?
- Yes, frozen peas are perfect for this recipe. No need to thaw them beforehand.

2. What can I use instead of chicken breast?
- You can use turkey meat or even mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

3. How can I make the mash creamier?
- Add more milk or butter and mix well until you achieve the desired consistency.

4. Can I prepare the recipe in advance?
- Absolutely! You can prepare the peas mixture and mashed potatoes a day ahead, keeping them in the fridge. When it's time to serve, all you need to do is assemble and bake them.

This recipe for peas with baked mashed potatoes is not just a delicious dish, but also a perfect opportunity to spend time with loved ones around the table. I wish you much success in preparing this treat and can't wait to hear how it turned out!

 Ingredients: 1.5kg potatoes milk butter salt pepper 800g peas 500g boneless chicken breast 1 carrot 1 onion dill vegeta 1 tablespoon flour 50ml homemade broth

 Tags:  pea mashed potatoes vegetable food