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Arakas Latheros

Shruthi
Arakas Latheros is a comforting Greek dish of tender peas simmered in tomato sauce.Sweet peas pair beautifully with onion, carrots, garlic, and fresh dill.Extra-virgin olive oil gives the dish its signature Mediterranean richness.Slow simmering allows the vegetables to absorb the flavorful tomato sauce.A touch of lemon brightens the finished dish beautifully.Serve with feta and crusty bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 340 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds (900 g) frozen green peas
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, sliced into rounds
  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon sugar, optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste, optional

Instructions
 

  • Finely chop the onion and garlic. Slice the carrots into thin rounds.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat.
  • Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the vegetables to absorb some of the olive oil.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste if using, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional sugar.
  • Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  • Stir gently until everything is well combined.
  • Simmer for approximately 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas and vegetables are tender and the tomato sauce has thickened.
  • Remove the pot from the heat.
  • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
  • Serve with crumbled feta, lemon wedges, and plenty of crusty bread.

Notes

  • Frozen peas work beautifully: They are convenient and often have excellent sweetness.
  • Fresh dill is important: Dill gives the dish its characteristic Greek flavor.
  • Olive oil: Traditional lathera dishes use olive oil generously.
  • Tomato quality matters: Good-quality crushed tomatoes produce a richer sauce.
  • Potatoes are optional: They make the dish heartier but are not essential.
  • Don't overcook the peas: Simmer until tender but still pleasantly sweet.
  • Add lemon at the end: This keeps the citrus flavor fresh and bright.
  • Rest before serving: A short resting period allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to blend.

 

Keyword Arakas Latheros, Greek ladera recipe, Greek peas recipe, Greek vegetarian recipe, Mediterranean peas, peas with tomato and dill