Snap peas make perfect side dish

A super healthy side, these crunchy sugar snap peas tossed with sesame seeds and lemon zest will complement any festive main course.

We have served this bright green, colorful dish at our family gatherings for decades. They are a great addition to Christmas dinner and perfectly easy to make, so you can spend that extra time with your loved ones.

If you prefer them raw, simply skip the poaching process. They are also great to make alone and snack away.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Festive sugar snap peas

Ingredients:

1 lb sugar snap peas

2 tbsp good olive oil

1/2 tbsp black sesame seeds

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Zest of 1/2 lemon

Kosher salt

Preparation:

1. Wash the sugar snap peas, tear off stem ends and strings. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl and set aside.

2. In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Flash boil the sugar snap peas for about 30 seconds, immediately drain them and plunge into ice water. This process takes the rawness out of the peas. The ice water stops the cooking and keeps the color bright green and crisp. Once cool, drain the sugar snap peas and pat dry with a clean cotton towel.

3. In a medium mixing bowl, toss the sugar snap peas with olive oil, sesame seeds, lemon juice, lemon zest and season with kosher salt.

4. Serve at room temperature or refrigerate to enjoy later.

For more, contact Stephanie & Jesse at artisanfoodsinc@gmail.com.

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