Pan Seared Shrimp with Springy Sugar Snap Peas

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On Good Friday, instead of my classic pasta with shrimp, I seared the shrimp with sugar snap peas.  On Thursday, I bought two lbs. of plump sugar snap peas and one lb. of frozen (cleaned) uncooked shrimp.

Sugar Snap Peas:  eat pod and all – raw or cooked (great source of Vitamin C).  When you cook them, make sure you only cook for 1 to two minutes to keep it’s vibrant green color, crispy and sweet texture.

Place them in a colander and rinse in cold water.  Pat them dry with paper towels before you cook.

I like to stir fry with shrimp in my wok.  If you don’t have a wok, use a frying pan too.  Important to pat dry the snap peas with paper towels.  Why?  Whenever you have hot oil in a pan and a drop of water hits the oil,     hot oil splatters everywhere – be careful!

Begin with adding a drizzle of olive oil in the pan (medium-high).  Add the fresh or thawed clean (de-veined, shell removed) to the pan.  Sautee until the shrimp they turn pink (1-2 minutes). Add the plump sugar snap peas and cook for another 2 minutes.  Salt and black pepper to taste.

I like to add toasted sesame seeds, fresh basil and a drizzle of my favorite finishing oil from www.oilemporium.com

A few red chili flakes and ready to serve and seconds to devour!

a presto,

Maria

 

Explore the Powers of Olive Oil!

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If there’s one thing that I always buy are fresh, good quality ingredients. It makes the simple dishes taste extraordinary!

The photos taken in my book Breaking Bread in L’Aquila were all natural – meaning, no botox used to bring my dishes to life! Simple, fresh and rustic ….

Let’s take olive oil as an example. Check out the olive oil emporium site. They offer great tips and and sell world class olive oils from around the Globe! Today’s tip is a good read….check out the oils…

Olive Oil is the second best natural source of Vitamin K available. The greener the olive oil the higher the content because Vitamin K is associated with chlorophyll. Vitamin K helps the body synthesize at least four of the proteins implicated in clot formation. It also cooperates with vitamins A and D in helping to build bones and kidneys protein.

Explore the world of olive oil with us at: http://www.oliveoilemporium.com/Home.aspx

Here’s a great entertaining tip:
As an appetizer, pour a little olive oil in a dish and serve with your favorite fresh, crusty breads. I like adding red chili flakes to the oil! Serve a few types of oils and compare ….. great mixer!

enjoy,

Maria!