Snow peas are flat pea pods that contain unripe peas. Since both pods and seeds are edible and tasty, they don't need to be shelled. Snow peas can be eaten both raw and cooked, thus being a highly versatile ingredient to have in the kitchen. Whatever technique you intend to use to cook them, the preparation of the snow peas requires only a few simple steps.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Jackdaws
Step 1. Choose your jackdaws
They are available in the fruit and vegetable section of numerous supermarkets. Here's how to learn how to best select them:
- Choose snow peas that are bright in color and have a firm texture.
- Avoid those that are swollen or longer than 7 or 8 cm, they could be hard.
- Also avoid jackdaws whose ends appear dry, or those that have yellowish or wrinkled parts.
- Jackdaws purchased in sealed and refrigerated packages can be stored for several days.
Step 2. Wash the jackdaws
Transfer them to a colander and wash them under cold water. Move the pods with your hands to allow any impurities to be released.
Alternatively, dip the jackdaws in water and move them with your hands
Step 3. Tick the jackdaws
It is important to remove the stalk as it may be hard.
- One end of the jackdaw will have a small crown to which a small part of the petiole will sometimes be attached.
- For the moment, leave the other end intact (the slightly curved one). It will help you remove the stringy wire from the snow peas.
Step 4. Remove the fibrous thread
The filament of the pods makes the snow peas tougher, eliminating it will then be able to allow them to soften.
- Pinch the curved end of the jackdaw. Grab the jackdaw, grab the small curved part at the end of the pod and pinch it until it is completely removed. If you find it difficult to remove it, resort to the help of a small knife.
- Without letting go of the curved part, pull it towards the opposite end to remove the line from the jackdaw.
Part 2 of 3: Cutting the Jackdaws
Step 1. Slice them
Cutting the snow peas will make them easier to manage and eat. You can slice them lengthwise, in long thin strips, to obtain a julienne cut, and enjoy them in a salad, in a sandwich or as a sauce for pasta.
To learn more about the julienne cut, read this article
Step 2. Cut them diagonally in half
This will expose more surface to cooking.
- Hold the blade of the knife so that it forms an angle with the pod.
- Cut the jackdaw in half, making sure to cut it on the bias.
- The wider the cutting angle, the greater the internal surface of the pod exposed to cooking.
- Continue by cutting the other jackdaws, with the aim of creating pieces of almost uniform size.
Step 3. Use them whole
Snow peas are quite tasty even when served whole. The possible uses of whole snow peas are many:
- Eat them raw in a pinzimonio or paired with a sauce of your choice, or add them to a salad for crunchiness.
- Enjoy them as a side dish, sautéed, sautéed or steamed.
Part 3 of 3: Seasoning and Cooking
Step 1. Season them with extra virgin olive oil
Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent base for both flavoring and cooking snow peas.
- Simply pour it over the snow peas and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. If you wish, you can enjoy them immediately without having to cook them.
- To cook the snow peas in extra virgin olive oil, pour a spoonful into a pan and heat it over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the snow peas to the pan and sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they are crisp and bright in color.
Step 2. Season the snow peas with garlic, spices and herbs to taste
Choose from the many flavors available, identifying the ones you prefer. Then prepare a dressing of your choice:
- Heat about a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a pan, using a medium flame.
- Optional: Add a clove of minced garlic and sauté it for a minute or two, until fragrant.
- Transfer the snow peas to the skillet and season them to taste with herbs and spices. Add a tablespoon of water and cook them for about 2 minutes, until they are bright in color.
- Optional: add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3. Season them with salt
The boiled and lightly salted snow peas are excellent enjoyed as a snack or as an aperitif. If you wish, accompany them with a light sauce.
- Pour the jackdaws into a medium-sized pot.
- Cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and cook them for about 1 or 2 minutes, so that they become tender and bright in color.
- Drain and sprinkle with salt.
Advice
- Snow peas are an excellent ingredient in many Asian recipes and pair perfectly with the taste of sesame, teriyaki sauce, garlic, ham and pork and duck.
- Snow peas are rich in vitamin C, 150 grams provide more than half of the recommended daily allowance.
