Greek Sweet Peas and Potatoes (Arakas)

A traditional Greek Arakas recipe featuring tender sweet peas, potatoes, carrots, and fresh herbs in a tomato-based sauce, served in a white ceramic bowl.

A wholesome, comforting dish from the heart of the Mediterranean

🌿 Introduction to Arakas: The Soul of Greek Vegetable Cooking

If there’s one dish that encapsulates the warmth of a Greek kitchen, it’s Arakas — a humble, hearty combination of sweet peas and potatoes slow-cooked in olive oil, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. This Greek peas and potatoes recipe is as rustic as it is refined, and it’s a proud member of a traditional cooking style called Ladera — dishes made with vegetables, olive oil, and often tomatoes, typically enjoyed during fasting seasons.

Ladera dishes are the cornerstone of Greek vegetable recipes, and Arakas is one of the most beloved among them. Every Greek family has its own version of this dish, and it’s often passed down through generations as a go-to weeknight meal that’s comforting, filling, and brimming with nutrients.

Whether you’re exploring how to cook Greek peas, searching for a hearty vegan side, or planning a Mediterranean feast, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

🧅 What Makes Greek Arakas So Special?

✔ Simple Ingredients, Bold Flavors

This dish uses only a handful of ingredients — most of which you probably already have — yet the result is a complex, flavorful stew that tastes like it simmered all day. The key is the balance between sweet green peas, earthy potatoes, and tangy tomato, all bathed in rich extra virgin olive oil.

✔ Vegan, Healthy, and Family-Friendly

Arakas is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It’s low in saturated fats and high in fiber, vitamins, and plant-based nutrients — making it a perfect dish for both health-conscious eaters and families looking to enjoy more meatless meals.

✔ Versatile as a Main or Side

You can serve Greek peas and potatoes as a comforting main dish with warm bread, or use it as a peas side dish alongside grilled meats, rice, or other vegetables.

🥔 Ingredients for Greek Peas and Potatoes (Arakas)

Here’s everything you need for the classic Greek peas and carrots dish with potatoes:

🌿 Vegetables & Base:

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (Greek olive oil preferred)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2–3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed (Yukon Gold or red potatoes preferred)
1 lb (450g) green peas (frozen or fresh shelled)

🍅 Sauce & Seasonings:

1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes or 3 ripe tomatoes, grated
1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp sugar (optional, balances tomato acidity)
1–2 cups vegetable broth or water

🔪 Step-by-Step: How to Cook Greek Peas (Arakas)

This dish is incredibly easy to prepare — everything simmers together in one pot. Here’s the breakdown:

🔸 Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and golden, about 5–6 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.

🔸 Step 2: Add Potatoes and Carrots

Toss in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Stir well so they are coated in the oil and onion mixture. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables begin to brown slightly on the edges.

🔸 Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings

Add the crushed or grated tomatoes, chopped dill, oregano, sugar (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes. This will deepen the tomato flavor and soften the sharpness of the raw ingredients.

🔸 Step 4: Add Peas and Liquid

Pour in the peas, followed by just enough vegetable broth or water to barely cover the vegetables. Mix everything together.

🔸 Step 5: Simmer Gently

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are fork-tender and the sauce has reduced to a silky consistency.

🔸 Step 6: Final Adjustments

Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little more salt or fresh dill if needed. The stew should be rich, balanced, and fragrant.

🔸 Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the dish rest off the heat for 10–15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Drizzle with more olive oil before serving.

🧑‍🍳 Tips for Perfect Arakas Every Time

Use good olive oil: This is a Greek peas dish, so olive oil is key. Use the best quality extra virgin olive oil you can find.
Low and slow: The longer you simmer gently, the richer the sauce becomes. Don’t rush.
Don’t overcook the peas: Add them after the potatoes have cooked a bit if you prefer them firm and bright green.
Balance the acid: Tomatoes can be acidic. A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey helps round out the flavor.
Fresh dill matters: Don’t skip the dill — it adds that signature Mediterranean flavor.

🥗 What to Serve With Greek Peas and Potatoes

This dish is extremely versatile and can be paired in many ways depending on your mood or dietary needs.

➤ As a Main Dish

Serve with crusty sourdough or pita bread, a drizzle of lemon juice, and feta cheese (if not fasting). Add a Greek salad on the side and you have a perfectly balanced meal.

➤ As a Side Dish

Pair it with:

Grilled chicken or lamb
Roasted salmon
Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)

➤ Over Grains

Serve over rice, bulgur, or Greek rice with peas for a filling plant-based bowl. You can also use orzo or couscous.

➤ With Bread or Toast

Enjoy cold or at room temperature on toasted bread with a dollop of vegan tzatziki or yogurt.

🥄 Meal Prep & Storage

Storing:

Refrigerator: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let cool before transferring to airtight containers.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
Microwave in a covered dish, stirring halfway.

Pro tip: The flavor improves after a day or two — it’s ideal for make-ahead lunches or dinners.

🇬🇷 Greek Culture and Ladera Cooking

Arakas is a dish deeply rooted in Greek Orthodox fasting traditions, where meat, dairy, and fish are often avoided. During these periods, Greek families rely on Ladera — a class of dishes made with vegetables cooked in olive oil and tomatoes. Other ladera favorites include Fasolakia (green beans), Briam (roasted vegetables), and Bamies (okra).

These dishes reflect Greece’s agricultural abundance and the philosophy that simple food, when prepared with love and care, is deeply satisfying.

This way of eating aligns with the Mediterranean diet, now praised worldwide for its health benefits, longevity, and emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and heart-healthy fats.

🧠 Nutrition Highlights: Why Arakas Is a Smart Choice

Ingredient	Benefits
Green peas	High in fiber, protein, vitamin C, and antioxidants
Potatoes	A great source of potassium, vitamin B6, and slow-digesting carbs
Olive oil	Contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and anti-inflammatory compounds
Tomatoes	Packed with lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk
Carrots	Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A for eye and skin health

Together, these ingredients form a nourishing, plant-based powerhouse that’s as good for your body as it is for your tastebuds.

🔁 Variations to Try

Greek peas and rice: Add cooked rice during the last 10 minutes for a one-pot meal.
With artichokes: Replace potatoes with artichoke hearts for a spring version called Arakas me Aginares.
Spicy version: Add red chili flakes or smoked paprika for a modern twist.
With lemon: Finish with a splash of fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness.

❓ FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Greek Peas

Q: Can I use canned peas?

Not recommended. Canned peas are too soft and will disintegrate during cooking. Use fresh or frozen peas for best results.

Q: Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes, but it will add sweetness. Adjust by omitting sugar or adding lemon juice for balance.

Q: Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely! The natural sweetness of peas and carrots, along with the rich tomato sauce, makes it a favorite with kids.

Q: What herbs can I substitute for dill?

Try fresh parsley, mint, or even basil, though dill gives the most authentic flavor.

📋 Printable Recipe Card