Fast and Easy Recipe For Pea Shoots With Shrimp

Sunday Dinner: Pea Shoots With Shrimp

May 2, 2010

Peas have just started to come into season here, which probably means there are plenty of parts of the country where they aren't quite at their peak. But even if you haven't spotted firm peas in their pods thus far, be on the lookout for pea shoots, a precursor to the coveted Spring vegetable. Tender pea shoots are the leaves of the pea plant, and taste best when they've been sautéed until slightly wilted. Use bacon to add richness and smoky flavor, then top with succulent, shell-on shrimp. For the recipe, read on.

From Saveur

Pea Shoots With Shrimp and Bacon

Fast and Easy Recipe for Pea Shoots with Shrimp 2010-04-30 15:42:21

Ingredients

Kosher salt, to taste
1/2 lb. large shell-on shrimp
6 strips bacon, roughly chopped
2 shallots, finely chopped
1⁄3 cup malt vinegar
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. sugar
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 oz. pea shoots
1⁄2 cup fresh chives, chopped
2 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon

Directions

Bring a 2-qt. saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook until bright pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl of ice water and let sit for 5 minutes. Peel shrimp and transfer to a bowl.
Put bacon into a 2-qt. saucepan over medium-high heat and cook, stirring often, until crisp, 8–10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. Add shallots to pot with bacon fat and cook until just softened, 1–2 minutes. Whisk in vinegar, mustard, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue whisking until heated through, about 30 seconds. Add pea shoots, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. To serve, transfer pea shoot mixture to a serving bowl, top with reserved shrimp, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon, chives, and tarragon.

Serves 4.