The Best Recipes for Creamy Peas with Pearl Onions and Peas with Carrots
Peas are a Thanksgiving favorite. They bring color, sweetness, and balance to the meal. I want to share with you two classic Thanksgiving pea recipes.
Two dishes stand out: creamy peas with pearl onions and peas with carrots. Both are easy to make and full of flavor.
Creamy peas with pearl onions are a comforting dish. The peas add sweetness, while the pearl onions add a mild flavor. The rich, creamy sauce ties everything together. This dish contrasts perfectly with the heavier foods on the table.
Peas with carrots is another classic. The sweetness of both vegetables works well together. A buttery glaze or light seasoning enhances their natural flavors. This simple dish adds variety and freshness to the meal.
These pea dishes are more than just tasty sides. They remind us of family traditions and holiday gatherings. They are easy to prepare, quick to cook, and always a hit. In this post, we’ll explore what makes these dishes so popular and why they are a must-have on Thanksgiving tables.
Why So Popular?
- Comfort and Familiarity: These traditional, easy-to-make dishes are often associated with the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving. They have a nostalgic quality and are often passed down through generations.
- Balanced Flavors: The natural sweetness of peas, whether on their own or paired with carrots or onions, offers a gentle contrast to the savory and rich flavors of turkey, stuffing, and gravy. Their light, fresh taste helps balance the heaviness of other dishes on the table.
- Ease of Preparation: Peas are quick to cook and require minimal ingredients. Dishes like creamy peas with pearl onions can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient choice for the busy Thanksgiving cook.
- Versatility: Peas can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Adding cream or a simple glaze can elevate the dish, while they can also be made more complex with herbs and seasonings to complement the rest of the meal.
- Color and Presentation: The vibrant green color of peas adds a fresh, appealing look to the table, brightening up the otherwise neutral-toned foods. They add visual variety and a pop of color to the Thanksgiving spread.
These qualities help make pea dishes a consistent and beloved part of many Thanksgiving meals.
Pearl Onions
Pearl onions are small, round onions typically about the size of a marble. They have a mild, sweet flavor compared to regular onions, making them perfect for dishes with a subtle onion taste. The skin of a pearl onion is thin and papery, and they can range in color from white to yellow or red.
These onions are often cooked whole or halved, as they hold their shape well when cooked. They are popular in braises, stews, pickles, and as garnishes. You can find them fresh, frozen, or in jars, often pre-peeled for convenience.
When cooked, pearl onions are especially beloved for their delicate flavor and tender texture. They pair perfectly in creamy side dishes, such as creamy peas with pearl onions.
Classic Creamy Peas with Pearl Onion
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen peas or fresh if preferred
- 1 cup pearl onions peeled, frozen works well too
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon sugar optional
Instructions
Cook the peas and onions
- In a medium saucepan, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pearl onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until heated through. Drain and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce
- In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly to make a roux. Cook for about 1 minute until the mixture is lightly golden.
Add cream
- Slowly pour in the cream while continuing to whisk to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine
- Add the peas and onions back into the saucepan. Stir to coat them with the creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar if desired.
Serve
- Once everything is heated through and coated, transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with a little extra pepper or fresh herbs, if you like. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Peas with Carrots
Ingredients
- 1 pound frozen peas or fresh if preferred
- 1 pound carrots peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup water or vegetable broth
- salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon sugar optional
- fresh parsley chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
Cook the carrots
- In a medium saucepan, bring 1/4 cup of water or vegetable broth to a simmer over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, cover, and cook for about 6-8 minutes, until the carrots are tender but still firm.
Add peas
- Once the carrots are tender, add the frozen peas to the saucepan. Stir to combine and cover. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the peas are heated through.
Season
- Stir in the butter, salt, pepper, and sugar (if using). Continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, letting the butter melt and the flavors combine.
Serve
- Transfer the peas and carrots to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped parsley for added freshness and color, if desired.
