Ella Walter
Creamed peas are a tasty and easy side dish that can be made in a crock pot or slow cooker. The dish is made by cooking seasoned peas in a cream sauce, which can be made by creating a roux and adding milk. The sauce can be seasoned to taste, and then it is poured over frozen peas in the crock pot. The dish can be cooked for 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low, and it is ready to serve when the peas are cooked and the sauce is creamy. This is a simple and comforting dish that can be served as a side for a holiday meal or a weeknight dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish |
| Type of peas | Black-eyed peas, Cream peas, Frozen peas |
| Ingredients | Peas, Cream sauce, Milk, Butter, Cream cheese, Sugar, Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Onion, Bacon, Ham hock, Chicken broth, Water |
| Crockpot/Slow cooker settings | High for 1-2 hours, Low for 3-4 hours |
| Serving suggestions | With rice, cornbread, mashed potatoes, potato wedges |
| Calories | 149-298 kcal |
| Refrigeration | Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days |
| Freezing | Not recommended due to change in texture |
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Preparing the sauce
The sauce for cream peas can be made in a few different ways, depending on your preference. One option is to make a roux by cooking flour in fat, such as butter, until it forms a paste. You can then add milk to this paste, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth consistency. Season this sauce with salt and pepper to taste, as well as any other desired herbs and spices.
Another option is to use cream cheese as the base for your sauce. Cube the cream cheese and place it in your crockpot with frozen peas, butter, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours or low for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the cream cheese has melted.
If you're looking for a more savory sauce, you can try adding meat to your cream sauce. Ham hocks, bacon, and sausage are all popular options that will give your dish a rich, meaty flavor. You can also experiment with different types of broth, such as chicken or beef broth, to enhance the flavor of your sauce.
For a creamier texture, consider mashing some of the cooked peas and stirring them back into the sauce. Additionally, if you prefer your sauce on the sweeter side, you can add a bit more sugar to taste.
Remember, the beauty of cooking in a crockpot is that you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. So feel free to experiment with different seasonings and add-ins to create a sauce that's perfect for you.
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Cooking the peas
Next, add your desired ingredients to flavour the peas. This could include cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, sugar, salt, pepper, or a roux made from flour and milk. You can also add meat such as ham hocks, bacon, or sausage, as well as vegetables like onions and garlic.
Once you've added your desired ingredients, cover the crockpot and set it to cook. The cooking time will depend on the setting you choose: cook for 1-2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low. Stir the peas a couple of times throughout the cooking process. If you're using fresh peas, keep in mind that they may cook faster than frozen peas, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
When the peas are cooked to your desired level of doneness, give them a quick stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamed peas immediately while they're still warm and creamy.
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Adding meat
When cooking cream peas in a crock pot, you can add meat to make the dish more savoury and hearty. Here are some tips and suggestions for adding meat to your cream peas:
Choosing the Meat
You can choose from a variety of meats to add to your cream peas. Some popular options include:
- Smoked sausage: Pork, beef, or turkey sausage are all great choices. Look for fully cooked sausage and dice it into small pieces before adding it to the crock pot.
- Ham: Use leftover ham from a previous meal, or buy a ham hock specifically for your cream peas. You can also use smoked ham or a ham bone.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon separately before adding it to the crock pot with the peas. You can also crumble it on top just before serving.
- Poultry: Try adding chicken thighs or turkey kielbasa, wings, necks, or drums. You can also use smoked turkey legs.
Preparing the Meat
How you prepare the meat will depend on the type you choose. Here are some general guidelines:
- Sausage: There is no need to cook the sausage beforehand. Simply add it to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
- Ham hock: Add the ham hock at the beginning of the cooking process. Once the peas are cooked, remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard the fat, and return the shredded meat to the crock pot.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon in a pan before adding it to the crock pot. You can also use it as a garnish instead of adding it to the peas.
- Poultry: If using chicken or turkey, it is best to cook it before adding it to the crock pot. You can bake, grill, or fry the meat until it is cooked through, and then add it to the peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Amount of Meat to Add
The amount of meat you add will depend on your preference and the size of your crock pot. As a general guideline, aim for a ratio of approximately 1:3 or 1:4 of meat to peas. For example, if you are using one pound of dried peas, you could add between 4 and 6 ounces of meat.
Cooking Time
The cooking time for the peas will depend on the type of meat you add. If you are using pre-cooked meat, such as sausage or ham, the cooking time will be shorter than if you are using raw meat, such as chicken or turkey. Refer to specific recipes for guidance on cooking times.
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Seasoning
Start with the Basics: Salt and Pepper
The foundation of your seasoning should be salt and pepper. Add a generous amount of salt to enhance the flavours and bring out the natural sweetness of the peas. Ground black pepper adds a subtle kick to the creaminess of the dish. You can adjust the amount of pepper to your liking, whether you prefer a mild hint of pepper or a more robust kick.
Enhance Savoury Notes with Garlic and Onion
For a savoury boost, consider adding garlic and onion to your cream peas. You can use fresh garlic cloves, minced or pressed, to add a pungent kick. Alternatively, garlic powder can be used as a convenient substitute. Sautéing diced onions along with the garlic will lend a sweet and savoury depth to the dish.
Meaty Options for Heartiness
If you're looking for a heartier dish, incorporating meat or meat products can add rich, savoury flavours. Traditional options include ham hocks, which lend a decadent pork flavour. Bacon is another popular choice, adding a smoky and savoury element to the cream peas. If you're having trouble finding ham hocks, a good substitute is link pork sausage cut on the diagonal, which offers similar flavour and texture.
Customise with Herbs and Spices
Feel free to experiment with various dried or fresh herbs and spices to customise the flavour profile of your cream peas. Smoked paprika, for example, can add a subtle smoky note. You can also try adding bay leaves during the cooking process, infusing a subtle herbal aroma. Additionally, consider finishing your dish with some freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a bright, fresh flavour.
Tweak to Your Taste
Remember, the beauty of seasoning is that it allows you to make the dish your own. Don't be afraid to taste as you season, adjusting the amounts of various ingredients to suit your preferences. If you like a bit more garlic, add a touch more garlic powder. If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Trust your palate and make adjustments until the flavours sing to your taste buds.
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Serving suggestions
Slow cooker creamed peas are a tasty and easy side dish that can accompany a variety of main courses. Here are some serving suggestions for this versatile dish:
As a Side Dish
Creamed peas are an excellent side dish to a main course, especially when served alongside roasted meats, such as ham or turkey. The creamy texture and mild flavour of the peas complement the richness of the meat.
With Bread or Rice
For a satisfying meal, serve your slow cooker creamed peas with crusty bread or steamed rice. The bread or rice will soak up the creamy sauce and provide a hearty base for the dish.
As Part of a Hearty Stew
Split peas are a versatile legume that can be used as a staple in soups and stews. The slow cooking process allows the peas to absorb the flavours of the other ingredients, creating a rich and harmonious blend. You can also add some cubed potatoes to the crockpot for a heartier dish.
With Southern-Style Sides
Black-eyed peas are a traditional Southern dish, often served with sides like collard greens, cornbread, and rice. For an authentic touch, add a ham hock or bacon to your crockpot of black-eyed peas for a rich, decadent pork flavour.
As a Comforting Holiday Side
Slow cooker creamed peas are a simple and comforting holiday side dish. The cream sauce transforms plain peas into a warm and comforting treat, perfect for a festive gathering.
With their versatility and creamy goodness, slow cooker creamed peas are a delightful addition to any meal, offering both comfort and nutrition.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes 1-2 hours on a high setting or 3-4 hours on a low setting.
You will need frozen peas, cubed cream cheese, sliced butter, heavy cream, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Place the frozen peas in the crock pot, add the remaining ingredients, cover, and cook for the desired amount of time. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh peas cook faster than frozen ones.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much.
