When it comes to simple, wholesome comfort food, Peas in Tomato Sauce holds a special place in my heart.
This recipe is a delightful blend of tender peas simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.
Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it’s an easy way to turn everyday ingredients into something truly satisfying.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to your dinner spread, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and robust flavors.
How To Make Peas In Tomato Sauce?
Preparation Times: 10 minutes
Cooking Times: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Yields: Serves 4
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup potato, diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instruction
Step-1. Sauté the onion and garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent and soft, usually around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Step-2. Cook the potatoes
After that, pour a small amount of olive oil into the pan and when the oil is hot, add potatoes along with onion and garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and take on a light golden color.
Step-3. Add the tomatoes and seasonings
Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and add the tomato paste. Stir everything well to make sure the potatoes are fully coated. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if I’m in the mood for a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step-4. Simmer the sauce
Add a cup of water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step-5. Add the peas
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the peas. If using fresh peas, cook them for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant. If frozen peas are used, they only need about 3-4 minutes to heat through.
Step-6. Serve and enjoy
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add more water. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish is best served warm, either as a side or a light main course.
Nutrition Facts Of Peas In Tomato Sauce
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
Serving Suggestions
This Peas in Tomato Sauce dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of other foods. I often serve it alongside a hearty grain like quinoa, rice, or couscous to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s also fantastic as a topping for grilled chicken or fish. For a more indulgent meal, you can enjoy it with a slice of crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Tips and Variations
Add Protein: For a more filling dish, I sometimes add cooked chickpeas or lentils to the sauce. This not only boosts the protein content but also adds a different texture.
Spice It Up: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. Alternatively, you can toss in a finely chopped chili pepper when sautéing the onion.
Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well in this recipe, fresh herbs like basil and oregano can add a burst of freshness. I usually add them towards the end of cooking to retain their vibrant flavor.
Make It Creamy: If I’m in the mood for something richer, I stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt at the end of cooking. This adds a luxurious creaminess to the sauce.
Special Note
You can omit or you can add additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be mindful of their cooking times to ensure everything is tender.
FAQS
Can I use canned peas instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, you can use canned peas, but keep in mind that they are softer and may not retain their shape as well. I recommend adding them at the very end to avoid overcooking.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the peas in tomato sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This Peas in Tomato Sauce recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a delicious, nourishing meal.
It’s a dish that brings comfort with every bite, whether served as a side or enjoyed as a main course. The best part? It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any night of the week.
Peas In Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Large skillet or saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen peas
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup potato diced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent and soft, usually around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, being careful not to let it burn.
- After that, pour a small amount of olive oil into the pan and when the oil is hot, add potatoes along with onion and garlic. Cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and take on a light golden color.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, including their juices, and add the tomato paste. Stir everything well to make sure the potatoes are fully coated. Then, sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if I’m in the mood for a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add a cup of water to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the peas. If using fresh peas, cook them for about 5-7 minutes until tender but still vibrant. If frozen peas are used, they only need about 3-4 minutes to heat through.
- Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add more water. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor. This dish is best served warm, either as a side or a light main course.
Notes
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.