Easy Creamed Peas

These flavorful creamed peas are a great side dish to any protein, making them an excellent weeknight meal choice. They're a breeze to prepare and require just a few pantry staples, including frozen peas, heavy cream, onions, flour, and seasonings. A little pimiento gives them color and flavor. Delicious served over rice or mashed potatoes that can soak up the sauce, these peas can also be a vegetarian side dish, as they contain no animal protein. If you're tired of eating the same steamed broccoli or spinach salad on repeat, give these peas a try as they're as easy to prepare as they are tasty.

Frozen peas are an underestimated ingredient. They're widely available, easy to prepare, and very filling. Frozen at the peak of their ripeness, frozen fruits and vegetables retain their texture and nutrition, contrary to common belief. Naturally, fresh is always best, but frozen items are an excellent choice that can put produce on your table that might not be in season. Peas are a very nutritious legume, with great amounts of fiber and vitamin A. They are also very high in protein, which makes them a go-to for vegan and vegetarian diets. A one-cup serving of raw peas has close to 8 grams of protein, over 8 grams of fiber, and 1110 IU of vitamin A, close to 33 percent of the RDI of the nutrient for adult men and 50 percent of the RDI for women (the RDI is 3,000 IU for adult men and 2,300 for adult women).

These peas can be catered to your palate by adding a few other ingredients. Make them cheesy with some mild cheddar cheese, Parmesan, or full-fat mozzarella. Add an earthy and fatty touch with some crispy bacon, diced ham, or a few pieces of smoked sausage. Or add a crunchy topping with some sliced almonds or whole pepitas.