Greek Peas and Potatoes Stew (Arakas Latheros) Recipe
Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes, known as Arakas Latheros, is a comforting and flavorful Greek summer stew made with tender peas, hearty potatoes, and a rich tomato base enhanced with fresh dill and garlic. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple ingredients to deliver a nourishing and satisfying dish perfect for a light lunch or dinner, served best with crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stew
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
- ½ bunch fresh dill, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 450 g (1 lb) peas, fresh or frozen
Pantry Items
- 75 ml (⅓ cup) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 200 g (7 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 200 ml (1 cup) water
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and diced carrot, cooking for 5-6 minutes until they soften and become translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
- Add Tomatoes and Dill: Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and chopped fresh dill, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Add Potatoes and Peas: Add the cubed potatoes and peas to the pot, followed by the water. Stir well to incorporate all components evenly.
- Simmer: Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors meld together.
- Season and Serve: Taste the stew and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Fresh peas provide the best flavor in season, but frozen peas work perfectly year-round.
- You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water depending on whether you prefer a thicker or soupier stew.
- Fresh dill is key to the authentic flavor, but dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable—use about one teaspoon.
- For a richer flavor, drizzle a little extra olive oil over the stew just before serving.
- This dish pairs well with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors, optional.
