Pass the Peas

Image courtesy of Ambera Wellman.

Whenever she is feeling homesick, Ambera Wellman whips up a toast recipe with what some might call an unconventional topping—creamed peas. This savory, gravy-style take on mashed peas was an economic and filling staple for the painter while she was growing up in rural Nova Scotia. “I know it looks disgusting,” the New York-based painter tells Family Style,” but this was a dish my mom and I ate five nights a week when I was a teenager. I never got tired of it.”

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup frozen peas 
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Pepper
• Toast

Instructions

1. Make a roux by melting the butter and whisking in the flour.
2. Slowly add the milk and continue to whisk until a thick gravy is formed.
3. Season with the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
4. Add frozen or canned peas and stir until cooked.
5. Pour over buttered toast.