How to perfect the classic carrots and peas dish
Carrots with peas is one of the most straightforward and nostalgic dishes. How can you prepare this healthy, tasty side dish to satisfy even the most demanding gourmets? Discover how to make a successful dish that will delight your family.
Carrots with peas are a culinary classic that has become a kitchen staple. The combination of these two vegetables evokes childhood memories and delivers a healthy serving on a plate. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which promotes healthy eyesight and skin, while peas provide a solid dose of plant-based protein essential for muscle building.
Each serving of this dish also contains vitamins C and K and important minerals such as iron and zinc. Regular consumption of carrots with peas can boost the body's immunity, which is particularly important during the cold months. So, how can you make this tasty side dish? Use this recipe.
Classic recipe for carrots with peas
Preparing carrots with peas is a task even a novice cook can handle. You'll need a few basic ingredients usually found in a home pantry: four carrots, a can of peas, a teaspoon of butter, some flour, and a pinch of salt. That's all you need to create this classic dish.
How to make carrots with peas? Wash the carrots, peel them, and cut them into small cubes. Transfer them to a bowl, dust them with flour, and mix thoroughly. Heat the butter in a pan, then add the carrots and sauté until they take on color. Add a bit of water to the pan to gently steam the carrots. Next, throw in the peas and a pinch of salt, mix, and cook for a few more minutes. Finally, add lemon juice and mix again. Serve warm as a side dish or a standalone snack.
If you want a lighter version of carrots with peas, replace the roux with a creamy puree made from cooked cauliflower or zucchini, giving the dish an interesting texture while reducing its calorie content.
To prepare carrots with peas and cauliflower puree, start by cooking a few cauliflower florets in boiling water until soft. Then blend the cauliflower into a smooth paste, adding a bit of salt and pepper for taste.
Wash the carrots, peel them, and cut them into cubes. Cook them with peas in a small amount of water until soft. After cooking the vegetables, drain the water and add the cauliflower puree to the pot with the carrots and peas. Gently heat the mixture on low, stirring until the ingredients combine and you achieve a creamy consistency. It's a healthy and low-calorie way to enjoy the traditional taste of carrots with peas.
Tricks to make carrots with peas perfect
Want to add extra depth to your carrots with peas? Enhance it with spices such as garlic, fresh herbs, or even a bit of hot pepper—experiment with additions to create a unique version of the dish that suits your taste.
Control the cooking time to maintain the dish's color and texture. A shorter cooking time allows you to retain the vegetables' intense colors and full nutritional value.