Peas stew: a humble dish with a story that begins in my grandmother’s kitchen. The aroma of simmering vegetables and herbs always filled her tiny home, especially on chilly evenings. This simple peas stew recipe is my attempt to recreate that comforting magic, a bowlful of nostalgia that warms the soul. I hope you enjoy this delightful peas stew as much as I do.
Table of Contents
This updated version is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight family meal. It is a comforting escape on cold days.
Why You Will Love This peas stew Recipe
This peas stew is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly comforting on a chilly evening and surprisingly easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights. I especially love that this recipe is packed with vegetables, making it a healthy and delicious option for the whole family.
Remember those days when my grandmother would effortlessly turn leftovers into a feast? This peas stew captures that same spirit of resourcefulness and deliciousness. It really makes this recipe special.
Ingredients Needed for This peas stew Recipe
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Make This peas stew Recipe
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3. Pour in vegetable broth, stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
- 4. Add cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- 5. Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- 6. If desired, stir in heavy cream for a creamier texture. This will provide a richer flavor.
- 7. Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes! Need more peas stew? Check out Peas Stew 2 for another great recipes. Have some tuna? You may want to try out Stir Fry Tuna Stew. Or take a look at the original Peas Stew.
How to Serve This peas stew Recipe
Serve this hearty peas stew hot in bowls. For a more complete meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side salad. A dollop of sour cream or yogurt adds a tangy contrast. Fresh herbs like dill or chives also make excellent toppings. Plating it in a rustic bowl with a sprinkle of parsley always adds a nice touch.
How to Store This peas stew Recipe
Allow the peas stew to cool completely before storing. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to label the containers with the date.
When reheating, thaw frozen peas stew in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make This peas stew Recipe
- For a vegetarian option, ensure your vegetable broth is truly vegetarian. For a vegan version, omit the heavy cream or substitute with a plant based alternative.
- Don’t overcook the peas. They should be bright green and tender crisp
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice touch.
- For a smoother stew, use an immersion blender to partially blend the stew before adding the peas.
Helpful Notes for This peas stew Recipe
Yukon gold potatoes hold their shape well during cooking so they are ideal for this recipe. You can substitute them for russet potatoes, but the texture will be different.
If you do not have dried thyme or rosemary on hand, you can substitute with fresh thyme or rosemary. Use about 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs for every teaspoon of dried herbs. A good quality vegetable broth makes a big difference in overall flavor of the stew.
Variation of This peas stew Recipe
- Add cooked ham or bacon for a meatier stew.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for Yukon gold potatoes for a different flavor profile.
- Add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or spinach for a more nutritious meal.
- For a spicier stew, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What are the best vegetables to include in peas stew?
Common and flavorful additions to peas stew include carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. You can also add other hearty vegetables like parsnips or turnips for a richer taste.
How can I thicken my peas stew?
You can thicken your peas stew by simmering it uncovered for a longer period to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze peas stew for later?
Yes, peas stew freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
What kind of peas should I use for peas stew?
Both fresh or frozen peas work great for peas stew. If using frozen peas, add them towards the end of the cooking process, as they require less time to cook.
Conclusion
This peas stew is a comforting and versatile dish that is sure to warm you from the inside out. It is easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and protein, making it a perfect weeknight meal. So grab your apron & let’s bring a little warmth to your kitchen tonight with this hearty peas stew. Do you have any questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below!
Peas Stew: The Easiest Comfort Food Recipe Ever
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty peas stew filled with vegetables and herbs, perfect for a chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 pound Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in vegetable broth, stir in dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
- Add cubed potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Stir in frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
- If desired, stir in heavy cream for a creamier texture.
- Remove bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: peas, stew, vegetable stew, easy recipe, comfort food
