What is the history of cream peas?

Cream peas were originally brought to America by way of the Caribbean islands via trade ships bringing slaves and wares from Africa in the 17th century . It's first recorded use in Jamaica is in 1675. The pale legumes originated in Western Africa, almost 6 thousand years ago.

How to dress up canned peas?

Add basic seasonings to the peas . Salt and pepper work well, but oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or a variety of different popcorn seasons can help hide the taste of the peas as well.

What are lady cream peas?

Lady Cream Peas are a type of cowpea . They have no color and, when cooked, they yield a clear pot liquor. They have a sweet flavor and creamy texture and are featured in Southern dishes.

Are lady peas the same as cream peas?

The distinguishing factor is size and taste — lady peas are smaller and sweeter than other cowpeas. Lady peas go by a number of names, including lady cream peas, lady cowpeas, conch peas, and zipper cream peas.

What is another name for cream peas?

The Lady Cream Pea Story Field peas, crowder peas , cream peas (along with blackeye peas) are all part of a larger species of beans commonly called “cowpeas” or “Southern peas.” Despite their names, none of these varieties is actually a pea.

What are Mississippi cream peas?

Mississippi Cream Cowpeas. This bush-type plant produces high yields of light-colored cowpeas . This cool-weather plant has 7" long green pods with creamy white peas. The peas change to straw color when dried.

Are cream peas the same as black-eyed peas?

There are three types of Southern peas: crowder, cream, and black-eyed. Crowders have a robust flavor, cream peas are more mild, and the flavor of black-eyed peas is somewhere in between .

Yes, dogs can eat peas . Green peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, and garden or English peas are all OK for dogs to find in their bowl on occasion. Peas have several vitamins, minerals, and are rich in protein and high in fiber. You can feed your dog fresh or frozen peas, but avoid canned peas with added sodium.

What makes canned peas taste better?

Salt and pepper work well, but oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or a variety of different popcorn seasons can help hide the taste of the peas as well.

What pairs well with peas?

Our peas love being with their fellow veggies to make for nutrient dense dishes, they especially love being with fruit and vegetables full of strong flavours like asparagus, leek, onion, garlic and lemons as well as protein rich edamame and iron packed kale and spinach (check out our Green Baked Eggs with Peas and ...

Where did peas originally come from?

Peas (Pisum sativum) are a type of legume native to the Middle East , specifically to the area around what is now Turkey and Iraq.

Where do peas originate from?

It is thought the pea first originated in the area of modern day Greece, Turkey and Syria . Despite now being a commonly eaten vegetable when peas were first introduced to France in the 1600s they were described as a luxurious delicacy.

What is the meaning of cream pea?

It's also a "cream pea" type, meaning it has a thin, pale, often fully see-through skin — allowing you to see the green heart of the pea almost until it's fully dried — and that it's best used fresh during the shelling stage.

What is the history of cream?

It is believed that cream originating from milk has existed since the early days of animal husbandry in the Palaeolithic Era . The Celts and the Vikings were fond of it. In the Middle Ages, cream appeared on dining tables next to vegetables and fresh cheeses.

Creamed Peas (Amish Recipe) - Amish Heritage (2024)

04/16/2023 by Anna 4 Comments

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Peas in Cream Sauce

Peas in a cream sauce, also known as creamed peas, is a dish that consists of cooked sweet peas in a creamy white sauce.

For this Amish recipe, the sauce is made by combining butter, flour, milk, and seasonings, and then simmering until it thickens. The peas are then added to the sauce and heated through, creating a rich and comforting side dish.

These easy creamed peas can be enjoyed independently or served alongside meat, potatoes, or other vegetables.

Creamy Amish Food

The Amish women are known for their homecooked meals and great cooking skills. And many of their dishes are hearty, comforting, and made with fresh and wholesome ingredients.

But a lot of their food is also rich and high in carbs. And one common theme in Amish cooking is the use of creamy sauces to create luscious and indulgent dishes.

So growing up Amish, I was used to eating a variety of vegetables in a cream sauce. Whether it was asparagus, creamed celery, peas, etc., my mom usually added a cream sauce.

And creamy Amish dishes offer a delicious and satisfying meal for those seeking comfort food. Their creamy sauces and fresh ingredients create a unique and delicious flavor, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Whether it's a casserole, soup, or dessert, creamy Amish dishes are sure to warm the heart and soul.

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Amish Gardening

My mom had a huge garden, and I wrote more about that in another post, "Gardening with my Amish Mom".

Every year we planted several long rows of peas. We planted two rows right beside each other, then we placed chicken wire fencing between the two rows so that the peas could grow up over the fencing. And it made it a lot easier to pick the peas.

So in late June, when the peas were ripe, we were out at dawn picking peas. We harvested bushels of peas, and our backs were feeling it by the time we were done.

Shelling Peas

And then came the job of shelling the peas.

It can take hours to shell bushels of peas, and it was time-consuming work. So we were happy when our Old Order Amish neighbors got a pea huller (similar to this one) and started offering pea hulling service.

The machine had a large basket which we dumped the peas into, and it was fascinating to observe it in operation. They ran it with a generator. And it was designed to make the pea pods hit each other, causing them to split open and drop the peas onto a belt and into a trench. The empty shells were then discarded out the back.

So all we had left to do was wash, blanch, and package the peas. And they were ready for the freezer. Since we had electricity, we always froze our peas because they taste a lot better frozen than canned ones.

How Do You Make Creamed Peas

Cook the frozen peas according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously for about a minute to make a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked peas to the sauce. Stir well to combine.
Add salt and pepper to taste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve hot as a side dish.

Creamed Peas (Amish Recipe) - Amish Heritage (3)

Creamed Peas (Amish Recipe) - Amish Heritage (4)

Creamed Peas (Amish Recipe) - Amish Heritage (5)

Here are some tips and tricks for making the perfect creamy and flavorful peas:

Choose fresh or frozen peas: The quality of the peas can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the dish. Fresh peas are the best choice when they are in season, but frozen peas can be a good option year-round as they are typically picked and frozen at the peak of freshness. If you enjoy canned peas, they will work as well. But I do not personally recommend using canned peas.
Use good quality milk or half and half: For a rich and creamy flavor, use good quality milk or half and half in the white sauce. Whole milk or cream can be used to achieve a decadent flavor and texture.
Season well: Creamed peas can be a little bland on their own. But when seasoned with salt, pepper, and onion powder they are delicious. However, feel free to add other herbs or spices of your choice. Dried or fresh thyme, parsley, and garlic powder are all great options.
Don't overcook the peas: Overcooking the peas can make them mushy and lose their bright green color. Cook them just until they are tender, then add them to the white sauce.
Add a touch of sweetness: This recipe has a small amount of sugar to help balance the flavors in the dish and bring out the sweetness of the peas. Feel free to use honey instead.
Add some texture: For a little extra texture, you could add pearl onions, green onions, or shallots to the white sauce, or top the dish with breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits.
Experiment with different variations: Creamed peas can be customized to your taste preferences by adding different ingredients, such as chopped mushrooms, diced ham, pearl onions, or shredded cheese. Get creative and try out new flavor combinations!

Creamed Peas (Amish Recipe) - Amish Heritage (6)

What Can I Serve with Creamed Peas?

Creamed peas are traditionally served as a side dish, often accompanying main dishes such as roasted or baked meats, chicken, or fish. They are a classic side dish for Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.

My mom usually made creamed peas to eat as a vegetable side with almost any meal. And they go great with mashed potatoes and meatloaf.

Creamed peas can also be served over toast or biscuits, creating a simple yet satisfying meal.

Overall, creamed peas are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They add a touch of creaminess and flavor to any meal and are a beloved side dish for many families and holiday gatherings.

More Amish Side Dishes

Brown Butter Noodles

Scalloped Potatoes

Potato Filling

Corn Fritters

Broccoli Salad

I hope you enjoy this easy recipe for Amish peas in a creamy white sauce. Let me know in the comments below.

Amish Creamed Peas Recipe

Cooked sweet peas in a creamy sauce make a comforting and tasty side dish.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Vegetables

Cuisine American, Amish

Servings 8 servings

Calories 215 kcal

Ingredients

1/4 c. butter (4 Tbsp.)
1/4 c. all-purpose flour (3 Tbsp.)
2 c. milk (or half and half)
1 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. onion powder
(or garlic powder), optional
4 c. fresh or frozen peas (2 - 12oz. pkg.)

Instructions

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour.
1/4 c. butter (4 Tbsp.), 1/4 c. all-purpose flour (3 Tbsp.)
Slowly pour in the milk, while whisking. Add the seasonings, keep whisking, and cook until it is creamy and thickened.
2 c. milk (or half and half), 1 tsp. sugar, 1 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. black pepper, 1/2 tsp. onion powder (or garlic powder), optional
Cook the peas according to package instructions and add to the creamed sauce. (If there's a lot of liquid with the cooked peas, you will want to drain it before adding them to the sauce.) Stir together and heat.
4 c. fresh or frozen peas (2 - 12oz. pkg.)
Serve immediately. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Notes

Instead of cooking the peas separately, you can cook the thawed peas in the cream sauce, although you will need to keep stirring them.

I used 2 (12 oz.) pkg. of frozen steamable peas. Cooked them in the package in the microwave and then added them to the sauce.

I like to sprinkle paprika over the top before serving.

This recipe makes a big batch, feel free to halve the recipe.

Can also use drained, canned peas if desired.

*Nutrition is approximate.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 215kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 9gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 196mgPotassium: 394mgFiber: 7gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 1187IUVitamin C: 47mgCalcium: 108mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Amish creamed sweet peas, Creamed Peas Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Kimberly W.
April 16, 2023 at 4:04 pm

This recipe brought back memories. Growing up, my mom would make fresh from the garden, creamed peas and potatoes, and we would eat it over slices of bread. It tasted so good to me.
Reply
- Anna
  April 16, 2023 at 4:16 pm
  
  Never had it over bread. Interesting!
  Reply
Marilyn
April 16, 2023 at 2:41 pm

Thank you for sharing recipes. I am not a good cook, so I need all the help I can get. Thanks again!
Reply
- Anna
  April 16, 2023 at 4:18 pm
  
  My pleasure!
  Reply

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