A culinary preparation involving diced or whole potatoes and peas enrobed in a rich, usually milk- or cream-based sauce. This dish is often seasoned with herbs, spices, and sometimes bacon or ham. A practical illustration would be serving it as a side accompaniment to roasted chicken or pan-seared fish.
Its appeal lies in the combination of textures the soft, yielding potatoes and the slight resistance of the peas coupled with the comforting and satiating nature of the creamy sauce. Throughout history, simple potato and pea dishes have provided sustenance, particularly in regions where these ingredients were readily available and affordable. The addition of cream elevates this basic combination into a more indulgent experience.