Greek Sweet Peas with Dill (Arakas)

A classic Greek side dish or light main, this sweet pea stew is simmered with scallions and fresh dill in olive oil until tender and full of flavor.

Arakas is one of those simple Greek dishes that tastes like summer, even when made with frozen peas. The combination of sweet peas, fresh dill, and scallions slowly simmered in olive oil creates a comforting, vibrant dish that pairs beautifully with feta and crusty bread.

This recipe comes together in just over half an hour, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or as a side for roasted meats. The key is to let the peas cook gently until they are soft but still hold their shape, so they remain tender and juicy rather than mushy.

Ingredients

Servings 6

Converted amounts are rounded.

Method

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped scallions and sauté for about 1 minute, until they soften slightly.
  2. Add the frozen peas, water, bouillon cubes, and chopped dill. Stir everything well to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender but still hold their round shape.
  4. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve warm, as a side dish or a light main course.

💡 Tips

  • For a richer flavor, you can use vegetable broth instead of water and bouillon cubes.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash a few peas with a fork before serving.
  • This dish tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld together.

Inspired by a recipe from The Greek Foodie

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