peas stew, a humble dish elevated by simple, honest ingredients, brings back memories of crisp autumn evenings at my grandmother’s kitchen table. The aroma of simmering vegetables, the gentle hum of conversation, and the undeniable comfort of a warm bowl shared among loved ones make this more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. In fact, my grandmother’s hearty peas stew recipe is one of the first meals I ever learned to make. From that first lesson, I understood the magic of taking pantry staples and transforming them into something truly special.
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Why I’m sharing this now? Because everyone deserves that same comfort, that same feeling of warmth and connection. This peas stew recipe is designed to be approachable, adaptable, and utterly satisfying. Join me in rediscovering the simple joy of a well made stew!
Why You Will Love This peas stew Recipe
This peas stew recipe is pure comfort food. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, and the depth of flavor will make you think it simmered all day. Forget complicated techniques; this is all about ease and simplicity, perfect for busy weeknights.
Growing up, this peas stew recipe was a regular on our family table, often served with warm crusty bread for soaking up all the delicious broth. One chilly evening, when my sister felt homesick returning to college, I whipped up a batch of my grandmother’s peas stew and reminded her of home. The taste of home, of family, of shared memories: that’s what makes this recipe special.
Ingredients Needed for This peas stew Recipe
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and chopped
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Vegetable Broth: 6 cups
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
- Frozen Peas: 2 cups
- Salt: To taste
- Black Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make This peas stew Recipe
- 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- 2. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4. Pour in the vegetable broth, add the dried thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- 5. Add the cubed potatoes and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes. *Tip: For a creamier stew, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot*.
- 6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until heated through.
- 7. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the salt, it really brings out the flavors!
- 8. Garnish that hearty bowl of peas stew with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot. Perfect with a side of crusty bread!
How to Serve This peas stew Recipe
This peas stew is fantastic on its own as a hearty lunch or dinner. For a complete meal, serve with crusty bread, a side salad, or grilled cheese sandwiches. A dollop of plain yogurt or a squeeze of lemon can add a touch of brightness. Consider topping with crispy croutons for added texture!
How to Store This peas stew Recipe
- Refrigeration Instructions: Let the peas stew cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing Guidelines: For longer storage, freeze the cooled peas stew in freezer safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating Tips: Thaw frozen peas stew in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals.
- Shelf Life Information: Properly stored in the refrigerator, this peas stew should last 3 to 4 days. In the freezer, it can last for 2 to 3 months.
Tips to Make This peas stew Recipe
- Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to add other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or spinach. For a richer flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth.
- Success Tips: Avoid overcooking the peas, as they can become mushy. Add them towards the end of the cooking process.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t skip the sautéing step; it develops the flavor base of the stew. Also, remember to remove the bay leaf before serving!
- Pro Tips for Best Results: For a thicker stew, whisk a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering stew.
Helpful Notes for This peas stew Recipe
- Ingredient Details: Using high quality vegetable broth will significantly enhance the flavor of your peas stew.
- Equipment Recommendations: A Dutch oven or heavy bottomed pot is ideal for making stews, as it distributes heat evenly.
- Adding Protein: You can easily add protein to the stew by including cooked chicken, sausage, or chickpeas. If you are feeling adventurous, consider adding the unusual, but delicious, Peas Cookies as an appetizer.
Variation of This peas stew Recipe
- Seasonal Twists: In the fall, add butternut squash or pumpkin for a seasonal variation. In the summer, use fresh peas from the garden.
- Optional Versions: For a creamy peas stew, stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking.
- Creative Modifications: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for added crunch.
What are the best ingredients to use in peas stew?
The best ingredients for peas stew include fresh or frozen peas, carrots, potatoes, onions, and vegetable or chicken broth. Adding herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor.
How can I make my peas stew thicker?
To thicken your peas stew, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or mash some of the potatoes to release starch. Simmering the stew uncovered for a longer period will also help reduce the liquid.
Can I freeze peas stew for later?
Yes, peas stew freezes well. Allow the stew to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What are some variations of peas stew?
Variations of peas stew can include adding meat like ham or bacon for a richer flavor. You can also experiment with different vegetables, such as celery or parsnips, to customize the taste.
Peas Stew: The Easiest Comfort Food Recipe Ever
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty peas stew recipe, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this a go to favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups frozen peas
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in garlic; cook 1 minute.
- Pour in broth, thyme, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Add potatoes; reduce heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, until tender. Mash some potatoes for creaminess.
- Stir in peas; cook 3-5 minutes until heated.
- Remove bay leaf; season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peas, stew, vegetable stew, vegetarian, vegan
