German-Styled Creamed Peas

A tried and true family recipe, these creamed peas are sure to be a great side dish to any meal!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine German

Keyword creamed peas, german style creamed peas

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings cups

Calories 238kcal

Open the cans of peas and place the contents (including the water) in a medium saucepan. Add sugar, salt, and black pepper. Turn the heat on medium-high and heat up the peas. Don't let it come to a boil.
2 cans green peas, 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Meanwhile, add the Crisco (or butter) to a small sauté pan and turn the heat on medium low heat until melted.
1/2 cup Crisco
Sprinkle in the flour, and whisk as you do it. You may not need the whole amount. Once it gets somewhat thickened and browned, it's thick enough. It will NOT be real thick, a little thick.
1/3 cup all purpose flour
Take the sauté pan off the heat, add the roux in the pan with the peas, and stir with a serving spoon. This is where it will thicken. When it gets to the right consistency for you, stop adding the roux. You WILL have extra.
Transfer to a serving bowl or dollop some creamed peas on a plate with some meat.
Eat, smile, and enjoy.

I use canned peas because I wanted to stay as close to what my grandmother did, but you can also use fresh peas or frozen peas, which work wonderfully and are convenient.

If you use canned peas, don't drain off the water. You will use it in the recipe to help thicken the 'sauce.'

For a smooth and thick sauce, start by making a roux with flour and Crisco, as my grandmother did, or with flour and flour. Whisking the two ingredients together prevents lumps and gives the sauce a rich consistency.

Peas have a naturally sweet flavor, so a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper is essential to balance the dish.

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency. If it's too thin, cook a little longer to reduce it.

Creamed peas can be made ahead and reheated on low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to refresh the sauce.

Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of grated cheese for extra flavor variations.