Description
Succulent Garlic Parmesan Sugar Snap Peas elevate simple vegetables into a mouthwatering side dish with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Crisp, tender pods mingle with savory parmesan and garlic, promising a delightful companion to any main course you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh sugar snap peas, trimmed
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Fats and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or olive oil for a dairy-free version)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Thoroughly rinse sugar snap peas under cool water, carefully trimming any tough ends with kitchen scissors.
- Gently pat the peas completely dry using clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crisp texture during cooking.
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and allow butter to melt smoothly, creating a delicate golden base.
- Quickly introduce minced garlic to the melted butter, stirring rapidly to release its aromatic essence without burning, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Carefully add prepared sugar snap peas into the skillet, seasoning generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
- Sauté the peas, stirring intermittently, allowing them to develop a vibrant green color and maintain a delightful tender-crisp consistency, which typically takes 3-4 minutes.
- Remove skillet from heat source and immediately sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the hot peas, gently tossing to ensure uniform coating.
- Optional: Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the peas for a bright, zesty finishing touch.
- Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley to add visual appeal and herbaceous notes.
- Transfer to a serving dish and present warm for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Cooking Time Matters: Aim for that sweet spot of 3-4 minutes to keep snap peas crisp and vibrant green without turning mushy or losing their fresh crunch.
- Butter Alternatives: Swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or use vegan butter to make the dish dairy-free and plant-based friendly.
- Cheese Flexibility: Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor, but nutritional yeast works perfectly for a vegan option that still provides a cheesy, nutty taste.
- Seasoning Boost: Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or red pepper flakes to add extra depth and personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 116
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg