I love sugar snaps because they’re crispy, they’re crunchy, and they’re snappy! Just blanch, shock, and cut them into little slivers to enjoy the full sugar snappy experience. To keep things interesting, toss in some minty fresh deliciousness and some salty, crispy prosciutto! Now that’s what I call a summertime salad.

　　

Ingredients

serves: 4

　　Kosher salt

　　1 pound sugar snap peas, stem ends and strings removed

　　Extra virgin olive oil

　　1 clove garlic, smashed

　　Pinch of crushed red pepper

　　1/4 pound prosciutto, sliced thin and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips

　　1/4 cup red wine vinegar

　　2 cups baby arugula

　　1/2 small red onion, julienned

　　1/4 cup Pecorino, shaved with a veggie peeler

　　8 to 10 fresh mint leaves, cut into a chiffonade (see page 58)

　　

Step 1

To blanch the peas, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and set up a large bowl of well-salted ice water. Toss the peas into the boiling water, let the water return to a boil, and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the peas from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into the ice water. When the peas are cold, drain them and lay on paper towels to dry.

　　

Step 2

Cut the peas in half lengthwise and reserve.

　　

Step 3

Coat a medium sauté pan with olive oil and add the garlic and red pepper; bring the pan to medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the garlic and ditch it—it has fulfilled its garlic destiny! Add the prosciutto to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until crispy, then add the vinegar. Turn off the heat.

　　

Step 4

In a large bowl, combine the arugula, snap peas, and onion along with the prosciutto and any juices from the pan; toss well. Add the Pecorino and mint and TASTE it! Season with salt if needed and serve.

　　

note

Step 5

Sugar snap peas often have strings that run along the edge of the pod—be sure to remove them because eating sugar snaps and flossing at the same time is not a pleasant experience

　　Cook Like a Rock Star