The Delicious Taste of Snow Peas

2011-04-14 00:00

Unlike artichokes, no one is confused about what snow peas taste like. This popular vegetable has made fans out of all those who have tried it whether dried or fresh. Who eats them dried? In the past, snow peas were mainly eaten dried including in the American colonies. Later people began to experiment and by the 17th century many Europeans had begun to eat peas fresh. Soon it became a delicacy and many chefs started adding it to other dishes. Thought to be have first been cultivated in Thailand starting 12,000 years ago, snow peas are now enjoyed around the world and are a central part of many cuisines. They’ve been found in 12th century Egyptian tombs and also in the burnt out ruins of Troy. Chinese believe that they were first found to be edible by Emperor Shu Ning who ruled China 5000 years ago. Known to some as the “Father of Chinese Cuisine,” he often roamed the countryside looking for plants that might be edible. Once selected, the plants were fed to a dog and a servant. If neither died, he would try the selections himself. One of those plants that some people believe he identified was the snow pea.

Whether or not he really did, it can’t be denied that snow peas are tasty and of course really good for you. They are excellent sources of vitamin A,C, and K as well as B complex. Just as importantly they have a high potassium content which is especially important for those who are watching their blood pressure. Potassium helps to maintain normal blood pressure while also regulating electrolyte balance in cells. One 98 gram serving of snow peas has 98% of the daily recommended allowance of vitamin C for an adult male. Offer a dish made with snow peas and round it off with a slice of orange for dessert to really satisfy patrons!

Spicy Chicken and Snow Peas Stir-fry

Ingredients

1 lb. chicken breast fillet

2 tsp. sesame oil

1/4 cup soy sauce

2 tbsp. dry sherry

1 tbsp. granulated sugar

2 tsp. cornstarch

1 tsp. rice vinegar

3/4 tsp. red chili flakes

2 tbsp. peanut oil

3 medium shallots, thinly sliced

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 lb. snow peas

1 tbsp. white sesame seeds

Preparation

1. String the snow peas and snap off both ends on each. Put them in a colander and rinse under cold water. Soak them in a container with water for 10 minutes to further remove debris. Then dice chicken breast fillet then wash chicken breast fillet and dry with paper towel. Dice into small pieces.

2. To make soy sauce mixture, combine and whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, dry sherry, red chili flakes and cornstarch in a small bowl. Reserve.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon of the cooking oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add garlic and fry until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Sauté the chicken, about 2 minutes, then transfer chicken and garlic onto a plate. Using the same pan, add remaining 1 tablespoon oil and reduce heat to medium. Add snow peas, carrots and baby corn (if using), stir-fry about 5 minutes or until the peas are shiny green, softened but still crisp.

4. Return chicken and garlic to pan. Pour in the soy sauce mixture made in Step 3. Stirring and cook everything for additional 1 minute. Remove spicy chicken and snow peas stir fry onto a plate. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Serve immediately with rice or pasta.

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Niphon Goodyear

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