Nostalgic flavours: Carrots and peas reborn

Carrots with peas are a culinary classic that has become a staple in Polish kitchens. The combination of these two vegetables evokes childhood memories and provides a robust serving of health on a plate. Carrots are rich in vitamin A, which is responsible for healthy eyesight and skin, while peas provide a solid dose of plant-based protein essential for muscle building.

Each serving of this dish is also a source of vitamins C and K, along with important minerals such as iron and zinc. Regular consumption of carrots with peas can support the body's immunity, which is particularly important during the colder seasons. How can you make this tasty side dish? Follow this recipe.

Preparing carrots with peas is a task even a novice cook can handle. To create this classic dish, you need only a few basic ingredients, usually found in the home pantry: four carrots, a tin of peas, a teaspoon of butter, some flour, and a pinch of salt.

How do you 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 change colour. Add a bit of water to the pan to gently steam the carrots. Next, throw in the frozen 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 purée made from cooked cauliflower or courgette. This will give the dish an interesting texture while reducing its calorie content.

To prepare carrots with peas with cauliflower purée, cook a few cauliflower florets in boiling water until soft. Then, blend the cauliflower into a smooth mass, adding salt and pepper for taste.

Wash the carrots, peel them, and cut them into cubes. Cook them with the peas in a small amount of water until they are soft. After cooking the vegetables, drain the water and add the cauliflower purée 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. This is a healthy and low-calorie way to enjoy the traditional taste of carrots with peas.

Want to give your carrots with peas extra depth? Enrich them 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.

Controlling the cooking time also helps to maintain the dish's colour and texture. Shorter cooking time allows you to retain the vegetables' intense colours and full nutritional value.