Fresh, Lemony Charred Snow Peas
These charred snow peas are tender with a little bite and char. The magic happens when they’re dressed though- jalapeno, garlic, and red onion are paired with lemon zest, lemon juice, and fresh mint for a crunchy and flavorful bite that sets off all your tastebuds.
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Shelling Peas, Snap Peas, and Snow Peas
Shelling peas, snap peas, and snow peas- what’s the difference? They are different in how they look, and how you eat them. Shelling peas, also called English peas, have fibrous pods with large peas inside. The pods can be used to do a few things like make soup or flavor broth, but generally aren’t eaten due to how fibrous they are. Because they need to be shelled, English peas are the most work of all the peas. Shelling is best done with a friend, or as a meditative activity. Look for pods that are swollen and relatively free from blemishes. Once shelled, blanch before serving. Snow peas are on the other end of the pea spectrum- they are thin, flat, with crunchy edible pods and small, barely noticeable peas. They are the pod, the whole pod, and nothing but the pod. They taste great both raw and cooked. Young peas can be eaten as is, but as they get larger you will want to remove the string from the top. Look for peas that are smaller and flat for the youngest, most tender pods. Snap peas, or sugar snap peas, are sort of an mix between the two. They have the edible pods of snow peas, but the large, developed peas like he shelling peas. They are actually my favorite pea, and can also be used in this recipe. Like shelling peas, look for large, unblemished pods. Like snow peas, they can be eaten raw or cooked, and should have the string removed on larger peas for a more pleasant bite.
All peas are sweetest and at their most tasty when picked- as they sit the sugars start to break down so always eat your peas ASAP for the best experience. Peas are ripe and in season late spring through early summer. If you do need to store them, place in a paper bag in your crisper drawer to preserve their freshness.
Got Peas or Pea Shoots? Try one of these!
- Creamy Vegan Peapod Pasta with Shiitake Crisp
- Garlicky Lacto-Fermented Snap Peas Snack
- Pea Tendril Vegan Pasta Salad with Orange Dressing
- Minted Cauliflower and Pea Shoot Salad
- Sauteed Za’atar Pea Shoots
- 15-Minute Sesame Roasted Snap Peas
Charred Snow Peas, Tips and Tricks
- Cook the aromatics in your oil first, but then remove them from the pan before adding the peas. Otherwise they’ll char when you cook the snow peas. It’s okay to have a few bits left in the oil- I actually like a little bit of over-crispy onion- but you’ll want most to be a little less done.
- Cooking hot and fast will get you snow peas that are tender but still have a bite, with a delicious bit of smoky char.
- Only use the juice of half the lemon- if you do want more lemon flavor you can always add the second half, but I did not find it to be necessary.
- Serve as a side dish- pairs well with hummus and pita, chili noodles, or a tabouleh and falafel.
Fresh, Lemony Charred Snow Peas
Ingredients
- 1 pint now peas (also will work with snap peas)
- 1-2 tbsp. neutral oil
- 1/2 jalapeno pepper
- 1/2 small purple onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Remove the tops from your snow peas, and set aside. Mince the garlic and jalapeno, dice the onion, finely chop the mint, and zest the lemon, setting the rest aside.
- In a large skillet, heat your oil to medium or medium-high. Add the jalapeno, onion, and garlic to the oil and cook for a few minutes, until the onion is softened. Remove the vegetables from the skillet to avoid burning, and turn the heat to medium-high or high. Add the snap peas, and cook hot for 2-3 minutes, stirring. Your peas should soften with a little bite, and have some char. Remove from the heat, add the cooked onions, jalapenos, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, as well as adding the lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, and fresh mint. Stir, and adjust the flavors as needed. Serve right away.
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