When the Farmer's Hand You Sugar Snap Peas...

The Market Inspiration

Green Peas are a divisive food, some love them while others, like my husband's sister, can't abide them. Many children dislike them, no matter how hard their parents try to persuade them to eat. Unfortunately, this stigma can prevent avid pea detractors from missing out on the Green Pea's wonderful cousin, the Sugar Snap Pea. Sugar Snap Peas, are sweet and have a crunchy texture, due to its edible and quite tasty pod. Farmer's Market Sugar Snap Peas are best in season (early spring-into-summer) and are nothing like the Snap Peas you find in store-bought veggie trays.
Sugar Snap Peas can be prepared in a number of ways, but I think they are best seared in a hot pan so you can bring out the sweetness and flavor of the peas without losing their signature crunch. I served my peas as a side to a Cornmeal Coconut Crusted Chicken but Sugar Snap Peas are a viable side dish with just about any main course.

The Recipe

2 Tbs. Olive Oil
2 tsp.+ Salt
2 tsp.+ Pepper
2 cups Sugar Snap Peas

Optional
1 tsp. Ground Chipotle Pepper
or
2 tsp. Italian Seasoning

Use your hands to snap one of end off of the pea, as you do pull down one side to remove the string. As you pull, snap off the other end of the pea, pull down the other side to remove the opposite string. (See photo above).

Heat the oil in a skillet on high heat. Add the seasoning and the trimmed snap peas, stir to coat the peas evenly. Move the peas around so they are in one layer and then let the peas cook for about one minute without stirring, this will help for color to form on the pods. Flip the peas over and repeat on the other side. Repeat this process for 2-3 more minutes. Tasting as you go to see if additional seasoning is needed. Avoid overcooking the peas, you will want to still have a snap when you bite into them.

The Pairing

Sugar Snap Peas are a homey dish, reminiscent of summer picnics and cookouts in small town America. 1944's hysterical comedy Hail the Conquering Hero lovingly pokes fun at small towns, in particular one who takes tremendous pride in their native son, returning decorated from World War II. The only problem is he never made it into the army and all the stories of his exploits, told by some helpful Marines, are nothing but bunk. -Z