Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this hearty, vibrant dish that has become a staple in my kitchen—Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe offers a fresh, comforting taste of Greece that feels both wholesome and indulgent at the same time. This recipe celebrates simple ingredients like tender peas, zesty tomatoes, and fragrant dill, all slowly cooked together to create a dish bursting with flavor and soul. Whether you enjoy it on a sunny afternoon or as a cozy dinner with crusty bread and feta, this Greek classic never fails to bring a smile to my face.

Why You’ll Love This Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe

What draws me back to this Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe every time is the way those fresh peas soak up all the juicy tomato flavors, enhanced by the bright, herbaceous notes of dill. It’s a beautiful blend of sweetness and earthiness that tastes like sunshine on a plate. The olive oil adds just the right richness without weighing the dish down, making it feel light yet satisfying. This is a flavor profile I find really comforting, especially when paired with some tangy Greek feta or a slice of rustic bread to mop up all those delicious juices.

Another thing I adore about this recipe is how straightforward it is. Honestly, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t want to fuss too much. You simply sauté your onions, toss in the peas and potatoes with tomatoes and dill, and let it all simmer together gently. There’s something so soothing about that slow cooking process, giving you time to relax while your kitchen fills with the most inviting aromas. It’s equally great for casual family dinners or when I want to impress guests with a dish that’s both authentic and effortlessly tasty.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a black frying pan on a stove filled with cooked green peas and yellow potato wedges. The green peas are small, round, and bright, covering most of the pan's surface. The potato wedges are thick, yellow with small brown spots where they have been cooked, scattered evenly among the peas. Small bits of herbs or spices are mixed throughout the food, giving texture and color. A wooden spatula held by a woman's hand is partially visible on the right side, stirring the food. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe are wonderfully simple but crucial to achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a special role, from the sweetness of the peas and potatoes to the freshness of the dill and the subtle heat from the green onions.

Olive oil: Use good-quality extra virgin olive oil to add richness and a fruity depth.
Green onions: They bring a mild onion flavor that softens beautifully during cooking.
Frozen peas: Convenient, sweet, and tender, they’re the star of this dish.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a vibrant, tangy base that keeps the dish juicy and moist.
Potato: Adds body and creaminess once it’s cooked tender, making the dish more substantial.
Fresh dill: The fresh herbaceous scent of dill is classic in Greek cooking and brightens every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring all the flavors together.
Water (optional): Helps adjust the cooking liquid if the tomatoes aren’t quite juicy enough.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chopped green onions and gently cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent without browning.

Step 2: Add the frozen peas, crushed tomatoes, and the potato wedges to the pan along with the chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together well to combine all the flavors.

Step 3: Check the moisture level; if the tomatoes don’t release enough juice, pour in about ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and partially cover the pot with a lid to allow gentle simmering.

Step 4: Let the dish cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas and potatoes are tender and the liquid has mostly evaporated, leaving you with a thick, saucy consistency packed with flavor.

Step 5: Give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove from heat. Make sure the dish is not watery when serving to fully enjoy that luscious texture.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is quick—approximately 10 minutes—mere chopping and measuring. The cook time is around 40 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld and the peas and potatoes to become perfectly tender. In total, you’re looking at roughly 50 minutes from start to finish, with no additional resting or cooling time needed.

How to Serve This Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe

A blue bowl filled with a mixture of green peas, orange carrot chunks, yellow potato pieces, and small white cheese cubes sprinkled with black pepper and green herbs. The vegetables look soft and mixed well with seasoning, with some fresh green herb leaves on top. A white slice of bread is placed on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe warm or at room temperature, especially accompanied by some crusty bread that’s great for dipping into that wonderful tomato sauce. It works beautifully as a main vegetarian course, especially when paired with salty feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt to add creaminess. For a heartier meal, I sometimes add a side of grilled fish or roasted lamb, which pairs nicely with the fresh, tangy flavors of the peas and dill.

Presentation-wise, sprinkling a little extra fresh dill on top right before serving elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. You could also scatter a few capers or olives on the side for an extra burst of briny goodness. When it comes to beverages, a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a chilled rosé perfectly complements the bright and earthy notes of the dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a hint of lemon or an herbal iced tea would be delightful.

This dish feels right at home on a casual family dinner table but also shines during festive occasions like Easter or summer gatherings where fresh vegetable dishes are the stars. Because it tastes wonderful warm or at room temperature, it’s a fantastic option to prepare ahead for potlucks or picnics.

Variations

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe is how versatile it is. If you want to switch things up, you can easily substitute fresh peas (if in season) instead of frozen for a slightly sweeter and more vibrant texture. I’ve also experimented with adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a little extra zing that brightens all the flavors even more.

For those following a vegan or gluten-free diet, this dish fits perfectly as is, since it’s naturally free from gluten and dairy. If you’d like to add some protein, chickpeas or white beans stirred in toward the end make a fantastic addition without overwhelming the delicate taste.

You can also play around with different herbs—sometimes I swap dill for fresh mint or parsley to create a fresh twist. For a slower-cooked version, try layering the ingredients in a Dutch oven and baking gently in the oven, allowing the flavors to develop even further over a couple of hours.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Arakas Latheros in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a convenient dish to make ahead of time. I recommend using glass containers with secure lids to keep the flavors pure and prevent any odors from seeping in or out.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, which is great for meal prepping. To freeze, let it cool completely and transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best results.

Reheating

When reheating Arakas Latheros, I prefer warming it gently over low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the texture if it seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the peas or make the potatoes grainy. Warmed slowly, the flavors and textures almost taste as wonderful as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen peas in this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Fresh peas work beautifully and offer a natural sweetness and firmer texture. Just add them during the same step when you would add frozen peas, but reduce cooking time slightly as fresh peas tend to cook faster.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Definitely. Arakas Latheros is naturally vegan since it’s made with peas, tomatoes, olive oil, and herbs. Just be sure to serve it with vegan bread or sides if you want to keep the whole meal vegan.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I serve with Arakas Latheros to make it a complete meal?

I love pairing it with crusty bread and crumbled feta cheese for a simple but satisfying meal. For more protein, grilled meats or chickpeas on the side work wonderfully.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh dill?

While fresh dill offers the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried dill in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for fresh, but keep in mind dried herbs are less pungent and more concentrated.

Conclusion

I’m so excited for you to try this Arakas Latheros: Greek Peas with Tomato and Dill Recipe—it has truly become a beloved comfort food for me that combines wholesome ingredients with easy cooking steps and vibrant flavors. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or looking for a reliable veggie-packed main, this dish will bring warmth and joy to your table. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine!