Arakas Latheros (Greek Peas)

The humble pea never tasted so sweet! This Greek dish, Arakas Latheros marries all the flavours of the Mediterranean in one harmonious blend of sweet peas and potatoes with salty feta, fragrant dill and zingy lemon. It’s a delight!

Not many people I know get excited at the prospect of a large bowl of peas. Well, it's time for a complete rethink on this stance with this amazing Greek pea delight; Arakas Latheros. All the flavours of the Greek Islands are on full display with the unassuming pea as centre stage.

Our delicious peas are accompanied by creamy potatoes, zesty lemon and salty feta cheese. We make a simple, fragrant sauce first, to cook the potatoes and then add a super-generous helping of peas. Fresh dill creates even more depth of flavour but it's the lemon and feta that really drill deep into the flavours of Greece. Such a simple dish, but so much personality!

I enjoy this as a side dish, but also let me be the first to suggest this as the main course too. I enjoyed leftovers recently with nothing more than a few slices of crusty bread and I couldn't have been happier. Ready to get started?

What's Ahead?

What is Arakas Latheros - Αρακάς Λαδερος?

Arakas Latheros is a traditional Greek dish consisting of peas cooked in olive oil with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and various herbs. The dish is often served as a main course or as a side dish accompanying meat or fish.

Arakas Latheros is also known as "Greek-style peas" or "Greek peas in tomato sauce." Additionally, it may be referred to simply as "arakas" in some contexts, particularly within Greek-speaking communities. Often, the dish is tomato forward in a rich, tart sauce but is also served in a lighter way too with more emphasis on the lemon and herbs. This is the version I favour as it really brings the peas to life in a unique way.

Stuff You'll Need

This is a simple dish, with few ingredients. Each brings something unique to the party - here's what you'll need to get hold of to make the magic happen.

• Peas - frozen peas are perfect.
• Potatoes - I use a slightly floury potato, but any variety will do.
• Lemon - this is one of the key flavours. We'll use the juice and the zest to make the peas sing!
• Tomato, onion & garlic will create a mild tomato sauce which we'll add a little vegetable or chicken broth to.
• Fresh Dill - is there another herb that screams Greece louder than fresh dill?
• Feta Cheese - That saline sharpness of a good quality Greek feta is all you need for a final flourish to the peas.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Greek if you can get it.

Step by Step

Arakas Latheros really are simple to make at home. You'll love how accomplished this dish is and how well it pairs with just about anything. Indeed, it's a dish to be enjoyed on its own too... here's how it's made:

1. Step 1 - Fry the onion in a little olive oil for a few minutes until soft.
2. Step 2 - Add the potatoes and stir well to coat everything.
3. Step 3 - Add the grated tomato and pour in the broth.
4. Step 4 - Bring to a simmer then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, just as the potatoes are beginning to soften.
5. Step 5 - Add the peas to the pan and let the whole thing come back to a simmer (with a lid on), then cook for another 10 minutes. After 5 mins, remove the lid and reduce most of the sauce.
6. Step 6 - Remove from the heat and add the lemon juice, zest and the chopped dill. Season with salt and pepper.

Now all that's needed is to tip everything into a serving bowl and glug over the extra virgin olive oil and then scatter generously with feta cheese. Serve hot!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

I'll serve mine with most greek fare. It's particularly good with lamb, so try my tasty Greek Lamb Marinade and grill up some chops or try with the delightful Cypriot Sheftalia too. It works well with all meats, fish and poultry or with other Mediterranean vegetable dishes too.

I love this dish served hot or at room temperature too. If you refrigerate it, leave it out for an hour (covered) to come up to room temp. In the fridge it'll stay fresh for 3-4 days. In my opinion, I don't really like this dish after it's been in the freezer. The potatoes go a little soggy and the feta a little weird too after defrosting, so for that reason I say, 'fresh is best' on this occasion.

Ready to get cooking?

Honestly, I can't think of a better way to enjoy peas than with this charming and flavourful Greek treasure. It's healthy, hearty and packed full of all the flavours I love. Since I discovered this recipe a few years back, I don't think I ever cook peas in any other way as a side dish. In fact, it's often the thought of these peas that informs the rest of the meal.

I'm sure you'll agree that once you too have discovered the delights of Arakas, you'll probably never enjoy peas in any other way. Opa!!

More Greek recipes

If you liked this recipe for Arakas Latheros, I'm sure you'll love some more of my favourite Greek recipes.

• Cheese Börek with Spinach
• Greek Lemon Orzo Soup with Chicken
• Greek Lentil Salad
• Greek Strapatsada
• Briam (Greek Roasted Vegetables)
• Greek Tarhana Soup with Lentils & Herbs
• Tomato & Feta Salad

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