Miso Lemon Sugar Snap Peas with Pistachios

This Miso Lemon Sugar Snap Peas with Pistachios is the best! When it comes to creating a healthy and amazing side, we combined the wining trio flavors of sugar snap peas, white miso, and pistachios. This recipe not only offers a great combination of flavors but also provides a nutritious side dish to any meal.

Miso Lemon Sugar Snap PeasPhoto byThyme of Season

Sugar Snap Peas vs. Snow Peas - What's the Difference?

Sugar snap peas and snow peas often get confused. They are both part of the legume family and share similarities, yet they are not the same:

Sugar snap peas are a hybrid of snow peas and garden peas and they have a rounder pod, while snow peas have a flatter pod with smaller, less mature peas inside. Both varieties have a string along the pod's edge that is usually removed before cooking, but not always necessary to do.

Texture-wise, sugar snap peas have a thicker and more robust crunch compared to the thinner, more tender snow peas. Flavor wise, sugar snap peas have a sweet taste with a hint of earthiness, while snow peas have a pleasantly mild grassy flavor. Both are delicious, but for this recipe we want the thick, crunchy and sweet sugar snap peas.

How to Cook Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas are often enjoyed raw, sometimes we eat them right out of the bag. But they are equally, if not tastier when cooked. Light cooking preserves their crunchiness while bringing out their flavor and natural sweetness. Here is three ways you can cook the for this recipe for sugar snap peas.

1. Sugar snap peas can be roasted in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil. Heat the oven at 450ºF and bake for about 10-12 minutes.

2. Sugar snap peas can be boiled in water on the stove top for about 5-6 minutes or untile they are tender yet still crunchy.

3. Sugar snap peas can be sauteed in a large skilled with little olive oil over medium heat. We chose to sautee them for this recipe.

Sugar Snap Peas Nutrition

Sugar snap peas are a nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for side dish. These vibrant green pods are also packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like iron and potassium.

Recipe for Sugar Snap Peas with White Miso and Pistachios

White Miso - White miso is a traditional Japanese condiment made from fermented soybeans, rice, and salt. When combined with sugar snap peas, white miso creates a savory umami flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the snap peas.

Lomon Juice - Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the right amount of citrus flavor to brighten this dish. It brings out the flavor of the miso and compliments the sweetness of the sugar snap peas.

Pistachios - toasted pistachios add a nutty crunchy flavor to the sugar snap peas. They also provide a contrasting texture that makes this dish even better.

Ingredients:

• 8-10 ounces of sugar snap peas
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (salted or unsalted)
• 2 teaspoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• salt - to taste if needed

Directions:

1. Wash and trim the sugar snap peas. Remove the tough strings along the sides if necessary.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together white miso paste, lemon juice and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
4. Add the sugar snap peas to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, until they are slightly tender yet still crunchy.
5. Once the snap peas are sauteed, remove from heat add them to the miso mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
6. Transfer to a serving dish and top with pistachios.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

We suggested eating this side dish immediately after cooking and not storing it.