Canned Peas Become A Comforting Southern Side With 4 Ingredients You Already Own

Canned peas are often synonymous with boring, bland meals, but this is an unfair reputation for the lovely legumes. The convenience of canned peas means they come already cooked, and it's as easy as popping the top open, draining out the liquid, and enjoying them. If you want to amp up your vegetables with some Southern flair, all you need are four ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. Just milk, butter, flour, and sugar will transform the basic canned food into one of the most delicious Southern side dishes — creamed peas.

Not only is this a super simple dish to prepare, but peas are also a sweet vegetable that can help pack more protein into your diet. They are also a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. To turn your canned peas into a side dish fit for a Southern feast, start by warming up your peas in one pot while making a roux with flour and butter in another. You can either choose to drain the peas first or leave the liquid intact, depending on your consistency preference.

Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste while the roux is cooking, making sure to whisk the mixture until smooth. Then, pour in your choice of milk and sugar, stirring the sauce until it bubbles and thickens. Combine the creamy sauce with your warmed and drained peas and serve. With minimal ingredients, time, and effort, you'll be excited to eat your vegetables.

The best thing about this canned vegetable dish is its versatility. The fresh flavor and creamy consistency of the dish pair well with just about any entree you can imagine, including savory Southern staples like pulled pork, gumbo, etouffee, chicken fried steak, and so much more. You can even serve it with other veggie-forward sides such as fried green tomatoes, creamed corn, or collard greens.

Consider making an easy crockpot creamed corn recipe that can slow cook throughout the day to be ready around the same time that you've finished your stovetop creamed peas. This will be the ultimate pairing of rich and creamy vegetables. Serve these with Southern biscuits or cornbread. Though the four ingredients for creamed peas are fairly basic, you can also dress up this side with other complementary flavors.

Use a Southern style of hot sauce to contrast the sweetness of your peas. A sprinkle of white pepper or crushed red chili flakes can also liven up the dish. For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version of this side, use plant-based butter and oat, nut, seed, or soy milk as your mix-ins. However you wish to make this dish, it's sure to be a crowd-pleasing treat that's as simple to make as it is to enjoy.