English Peas and New Potatoes

English Peas and New Potatoes Recipe from England | Ingredients: peas, potatoes, butter, milk, flour, salt

Region / culture: England | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

English Peas and New Potatoes is a classic dish that combines the fresh flavors of peas and the creamy texture of new potatoes. This dish is perfect for a spring or summer meal and can be served as a side dish or a main course.

History

English Peas and New Potatoes is a traditional English dish that dates back to the 18th century. Peas and potatoes were staple crops in England, and this dish was a popular way to enjoy them together. The combination of sweet peas and creamy potatoes has stood the test of time and continues to be a favorite dish in English cuisine.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of fresh English peas or frozen
12 tiny new potatoes
3 tbsp of butter
2 cups of hot milk
3 tbsp of flour
salt to taste

How to prepare

Cover the English peas with water.
Simmer covered for 15 minutes.
Scrape the potatoes and put them in a separate pot.
Cover the potatoes with water and simmer until they are half done.
Drain the potatoes and add them to the English peas.
Add 2 cups of milk and 2 tbsp of butter.
Finish cooking the potatoes until they are done.
Mix 3 tbsp of flour with water.
Add the mixture slowly until it thickens.
Add salt to taste.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor.
Stir in some fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a burst of freshness.
Top with grated cheese for a cheesy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the potatoes until they are just tender, as overcooking can make them mushy.

- Adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar can help brighten the flavors of the dish.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute cream for some or all of the milk in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

English Peas and New Potatoes can be served as a side dish with roasted chicken or grilled fish. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a light and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to simmer the peas and potatoes gently to avoid overcooking.

- Stir the flour mixture slowly into the pot to prevent lumps from forming.

- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use frozen peas instead of fresh peas if they are not in season.

- Olive oil can be used as a substitute for butter.

- Cornstarch can be used instead of flour to thicken the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

English Peas and New Potatoes can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve English Peas and New Potatoes in a shallow bowl and garnish with a sprig of fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. You can also sprinkle some freshly ground black pepper on top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of English Peas and New Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of English Peas and New Potatoes contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

English Peas and New Potatoes is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the peas, potatoes, and flour used to thicken the sauce. One serving of this dish contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with the main source of fat coming from the butter used to cook the peas and potatoes. One serving of English Peas and New Potatoes contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

English Peas and New Potatoes is a moderate source of protein, with the main sources of protein coming from the peas and potatoes. One serving of this dish contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium. Peas are a good source of vitamin C, while potatoes are high in potassium and vitamin K. One serving of English Peas and New Potatoes provides approximately 20% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C and 15% of the recommended daily intake of potassium.

Alergens

This dish contains dairy (butter and milk) and gluten (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

English Peas and New Potatoes is a nutritious and delicious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. It is relatively low in fat and calories, making it a healthy option for a meal.

Summary

English Peas and New Potatoes is a classic dish that is both delicious and nutritious. With its creamy texture and fresh flavors, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main course, and savor the taste of English peas and new potatoes in every bite.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for English Peas and New Potatoes. It was tucked away in an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother. As I turned the yellowed pages, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of this particular dish. How had it come to be a family favorite? Who had first discovered the perfect combination of tender peas and buttery potatoes?

I decided to delve into the history of this recipe, determined to uncover its secrets. I spoke to relatives, scoured old letters and journals, and even reached out to friends of the family who might have some insight. And slowly but surely, a story began to emerge.

It all started with my great-grandmother, Clara. She was a young bride, full of hope and excitement for the future. She had married a farmer, and together they worked the land, planting crops and tending to their livestock. Clara was a talented cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and techniques in the kitchen.

One day, a neighbor stopped by with a basket of fresh peas and new potatoes from his garden. Clara graciously accepted the gift and set to work creating a meal that would showcase these bountiful vegetables. She carefully shelled the peas, peeled the potatoes, and cooked them together in a pot with butter and seasonings.

The resulting dish was a revelation. The peas were sweet and tender, the potatoes creamy and flavorful. Clara's husband declared it the best thing he had ever tasted, and soon word spread throughout the community. People came from far and wide to sample Clara's English Peas and New Potatoes, and she became known far and wide as the Queen of the Kitchen.

As the years went by, the recipe was passed down through the generations. Each cook put their own spin on it, adding a pinch of this or a dash of that to make it their own. And now, here I was, holding the precious recipe in my hands, ready to carry on the tradition.

I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, channeling the spirit of my great-grandmother as I cooked. The smell of butter and garlic filled the air, and I smiled as I thought about how this simple dish had brought so much joy to my family over the years.

As I sat down to enjoy the fruits of my labor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and connection to the past. This recipe was more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions – it was a link to my heritage, a reminder of the strong, resourceful women who had come before me.

And as I savored each bite of the delicious peas and potatoes, I knew that I would continue to make this dish for years to come, passing it down to my own children and grandchildren. Because some recipes are more than just food – they are a part of who we are, a connection to the past that will always be cherished and celebrated. And so, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I raised my glass to Clara and all the women who had helped to shape me into the cook and person I am today. Cheers to family, tradition, and the simple pleasures of a good meal shared with loved ones.