Snow Peas with Sesame Dressing

Snow peas are one of my favorite vegetables. These flat delicate pods are only available in my local area for a short period of time each year. To truly enjoy snow peas they must be fresh and they must be handled carefully! Their subtle sweet flavor and crisp texture is easily ruined by overcooking and heavy sauces. A brief blanch in boiling water and a light dressing is all that is need to bring out the best in these sublime legumes. My recipe for Snow Peas with Sesame Dressing can be enjoyed hot or cold, but they do improve if allowed to chill and marinate in the dressing overnight. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the brief and glorious season of the snow pea!

Directions:

In a large bowl combine sesame oil, vinegar, mirin, soy sauce, sugar and salt. Whisk well until sugar is dissolved and set aside.
Trim and rinse snow peas, removing strings if present. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil and add prepared snow peas. Blanch for 1 ½ minutes (no more than 2 minutes if you like softer vegetables). Quickly remove snow peas from water and drain well.
Add drained snow peas to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds (optional) and serve immediately to enjoy warm or cover and chill for at least 4 hours, then sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy cold.

(Serves 4)

Ingredients:

14 oz. (400 grams) Fresh Snow Peas
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
1 tsp Rice Wine Vinegar
4 tsp Mirin
2 tsp Traditional Brewed Soy Sauce
2 tsp Granulated Sugar
¼ tsp Table Salt

Optional Garnish:

1 ½-2 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds

Snow peas are one of my favorite vegetables. These flat delicate pods are only available in my local area for a short period of time each year. To truly enjoy snow peas they must be fresh and they must be handled carefully! Their subtle sweet flavor and crisp texture is easily ruined by overcooking and heavy sauces. A brief blanch in boiling water and a light dressing is all that is need to bring out the best in these sublime legumes. My recipe for Snow Peas with Sesame Dressing can be enjoyed hot or cold, but they do improve if allowed to chill and marinate in the dressing overnight. Whatever you do, be sure to enjoy the brief and glorious season of the snow pea!

Simmer & Stir