Lemony Snap Peas

The lemon zing in this recipe went great with the Seared Halibut and Herb Butter Sauce!

Yield: Serves 4 (serving size: about 1 cup)
Ingredients:
8 cups water
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 shallot, minced

Preparation:
1. Bring 8 cups water to a boil in a large Dutch oven. Add peas; cook 30 seconds or until crisp-tender. Drain and plunge into ice water; drain. Slice half of peas diagonally.
2. Combine lemon rind and remaining ingredients in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk. Add peas; toss to coat.

Variations:
Radish and Feta: Prepare base recipe, reducing salt to 1/8 teaspoon. Add 1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes, 1/3 cup (about 1 1/2 ounces) crumbled feta, and 3 tablespoons chopped fresh mint to pea mixture. Toss to combine. Serves 4 (serving size: 1 cup) CALORIES 104 (0% from fat); FAT 5.8g (sat 2.1g); SODIUM 219mg
Israeli Couscous and Dill: Heat 2 teaspoons olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 2/3 cup Israeli couscous; sauté 3 minutes. Add 1 cup water; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes. Drain and rinse; drain. Prepare base recipe with 6 ounces peas, increasing salt to 1/2 teaspoon and substituting 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic for shallot. Combine pea mixture, couscous, and 1 tablespoon minced dill. Top with 2 tablespoons shaved Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 (serving size: about 1 cup) CALORIES 211 (0% from fat); FAT 6.7g (sat 1.2g); SODIUM 314mg
Toasted Almond and Pecorino: Prepare base recipe. Toast 3 tablespoons sliced almonds in a small skillet; cook over medium heat 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Add almonds to pea mixture; toss gently. Top with 3 tablespoons shaved pecorino Romano cheese. Serves 4 (serving size: about 1 cup) CALORIES 113 (0% from fat); FAT 6.8g (sat 1.4g); SODIUM 221mg

Nutritional Information:
Calories: 73
Fat: 3.6g
Saturated fat: 0.5g
Monounsaturated fat: 2.5g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.4g
Protein: 2.5g
Carbohydrate: 8.4g
Fiber: 2.3g
Cholesterol: 0.0mg
Iron: 1.8mg
Sodium: 154mg
Calcium: 39mg