Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.

Introduction

There’s something truly magical about the simplicity of Greek cooking. The way humble ingredients — olive oil, tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables—come together to create dishes bursting with sunshine and flavor has always fascinated me.

One of my absolute favorites from traditional Greek home cooking is Arakas Laderos — or as it’s often called in English, Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe. It’s a wholesome, comforting, and naturally vegan dish that perfectly captures the essence of the Mediterranean diet: simple, fresh, and deeply satisfying.

I first discovered this Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe on a trip to Crete. A small family taverna overlooking the olive groves served it with a side of crusty bread and a drizzle of their house olive oil. It was love at first bite—sweet peas simmered with tender potatoes, carrots, and onions in a rich tomato-olive oil sauce, perfumed with dill and lemon. Every spoonful tasted like sunshine.

Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe is the kind of recipe that reminds you how nourishing and soulful simple plant-based food can be. It’s comforting yet light, healthy yet indulgent—and it comes together easily in one pot.

So, if you’re ready to bring a taste of Greece into your kitchen, let’s make this hearty Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe together!

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Ingredients for Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe

This classic Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe uses basic Mediterranean ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Stew Base

½ cup extra virgin olive oil (yes — Greek stews are luxuriously rich in olive oil!)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
3 cups frozen or fresh green peas
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes or 3 fresh tomatoes, grated
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 cup water or vegetable broth (add more as needed)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For Seasoning and Flavor

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Juice of ½ lemon (optional but highly recommended for brightness)

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup chopped green beans or zucchini
A pinch of sugar (balances the tomato’s acidity)
A sprinkle of chili flakes for gentle heat

How to Make Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe

This Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe is all about slow-simmered flavor. The olive oil and herbs infuse the vegetables, creating a stew that’s rich yet vibrant.

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft and translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

This is the aromatic base of your stew — and the olive oil is what makes Greek stews so flavorful. Don’t be tempted to skimp on it!

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add the carrots and potatoes to the pot. Stir well to coat them in the olive oil and onions.
Cook for 3–4 minutes to let the flavors blend and the vegetables start to soften.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour in 1 cup of water or vegetable broth, then bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are nearly tender.

At this stage, your kitchen will smell absolutely divine — that classic Mediterranean aroma of tomatoes and herbs simmering in olive oil!

Step 4: Add the Peas and Fresh Herbs

Once the potatoes are halfway cooked, add the peas, dill, and parsley.
Stir gently, making sure the peas are submerged in the sauce.
Continue to simmer for another 15–20 minutes on low heat, uncovered, until the stew thickens slightly and all the vegetables are tender.

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Adjust

Once everything is perfectly cooked, squeeze in the lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Taste and adjust seasoning — you may want a pinch more salt, pepper, or dill.

The stew should be rich, savory, and slightly sweet from the carrots and peas, with a hint of tang from the lemon.

How to Serve Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe

This Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe (or Arakas Laderos) is wonderfully versatile. It can be served hot in winter or at room temperature during the warmer months.

Here’s how to enjoy it the traditional Greek way:

Serve with crusty bread or pita: Perfect for soaking up that flavorful tomato-olive oil sauce.
Add a side of vegan feta or olives: For an authentic Mediterranean touch.
Pair with rice or quinoa: If you want to make it a heartier main course.
Enjoy with a simple Greek salad: Tomato, cucumber, red onion, and a drizzle of olive oil complement the stew beautifully.
Finish with extra virgin olive oil: Drizzle a little over the top before serving — it adds richness and shine.

Pro Tips for the Best Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe

Use good-quality olive oil. This dish is part of the “ladera” family of Greek recipes — meaning “cooked in oil.” The flavor of your olive oil matters here!
Don’t rush the simmering. The longer it cooks (gently), the richer and sweeter the flavors become.
Adjust the liquid as needed. Greek stews should be thick but saucy — not soupy.
Add lemon at the end. Lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the olive oil’s richness.
Fresh herbs make a difference. Dill and parsley are traditional, but mint or basil can also work beautifully.
Make it ahead. This stew tastes even better the next day after the flavors have blended together.

Variations to Try

The beauty of this Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe is its flexibility — every Greek household has its own version. Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

1. Arakas me Karota (Peas and Carrots Only)

Skip the potatoes for a lighter version focused on peas and carrots — simple, fresh, and quick.

2. Add Artichokes (Arachoke Arakas)

A popular spring variation in Greece adds artichoke hearts for a more complex, earthy flavor.

3. With Spinach or Swiss Chard

Stir in a handful of greens at the end for extra color and nutrition.

4. Tomato-Free Version

For a lighter stew, skip the tomatoes and cook the peas in olive oil, water, and herbs for a gentler flavor.

5. Make It Spicy

Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give this stew a gentle kick.

6. Add Legumes for Protein

Toss in a can of chickpeas or white beans to make it even more filling and protein-rich.

7. Winter Comfort Twist

Add a handful of orzo or rice toward the end for a thicker, cozier version perfect for cold nights.

FAQs

1. What does “Arakas Laderos” mean?

“Arakas” means peas in Greek, and “laderos” refers to dishes cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce. It’s a cornerstone of Greek home cooking — simple, nutritious, and delicious.

2. Can I use canned peas?

It’s best to use fresh or frozen peas. Canned peas are too soft and may turn mushy during simmering.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

4. How do I store leftovers?

Let the stew cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

5. Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

6. What can I use instead of dill?

If you’re not a fan of dill, substitute with fresh mint, basil, or a touch of tarragon.

7. Can I make it oil-free?

Yes, though it won’t have the same richness. Use a splash of vegetable broth to sauté your onions instead of olive oil, then add a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.

8. Is this stew suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes! It’s 100% plant-based and naturally vegan. It’s also gluten-free if you don’t serve it with bread containing gluten.

9. What’s the best way to reheat it?

Warm gently in a pot over low heat, adding a little water if it thickened in the fridge. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the peas lose their texture.

Nutritional Benefits

This Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe isn’t just comforting—it’s incredibly nutritious.

Peas: High in plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins C and K.
Potatoes: Great source of potassium and energy-rich carbs.
Olive oil: Full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.
Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, which supports heart and skin health.
Herbs and lemon: Aid digestion and add natural freshness.

Together, they create a balanced Mediterranean meal that’s light yet deeply satisfying.

Perfect Pairings

This Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and drinks:

Crusty country bread – for soaking up that luscious tomato sauce.
Greek salad – fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives with oregano.
Rice pilaf or bulgur – for a heartier meal.
A glass of white wine – like a crisp Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc.
Dessert idea: Finish with a few slices of watermelon or a spoonful of traditional Greek yogurt with honey (vegan version if desired).

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as healthy as it is comforting, this Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe (Arakas Laderos) is a must-try.

It’s one of those recipes that proves how beautiful simplicity can be—just a handful of fresh ingredients, slow-cooked with love and good olive oil, transforming into something truly special.

This stew brings a taste of the Greek countryside right to your table—the kind of meal that nourishes your body and lifts your spirit.

So next time you need an easy, wholesome dinner that feels both rustic and elegant, grab a bag of peas, a couple of potatoes, and your best olive oil. Pour yourself a glass of wine, put on some Greek music, and let this Mediterranean classic fill your kitchen with warmth.

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Greek Peas Stew with Potatoes Recipe