Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Buttermilk Aioli

A delightful combination of charred and raw sugar snap peas served with a creamy homemade buttermilk aioli. The dish features a perfect balance of smoky grilled peas and fresh crunch, topped with spicy Calabrian chiles and flaky sea salt.

6 servings
39 min

Ingredients

  • 1 whole small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 whole large egg yolk
  • 1 clove garlic clove, finely grated
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • 1 to taste Freshly ground black pepper
  • pound sugar snap peas, untrimmed, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced drained oil-packed Calabrian chiles
  • 1 to taste Flaky sea salt

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Mix shallot and lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk egg yolk, garlic, kosher salt, cayenne, and 2 teaspoons water in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, gradually drizzle in vegetable oil, drop by drop at first, until aioli is thickened and smooth. Gently mix in buttermilk, crème fraîche, and shallot mixture; season with kosher salt and black pepper.

    15 min

  2. 2.

    Prepare grill for medium-high heat.

    10 min

  3. 3.

    Toss half of snap peas with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium bowl; season with kosher salt and black pepper. Set a wire rack or grill basket on grill grate and grill peas on rack, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 4 minutes; return to bowl.

    4 min

  4. 4.

    Cut raw peas in half crosswise on a diagonal and toss with grilled peas along with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil; season with black pepper. Spoon some aioli on a platter and top with snap peas, chiles, and sea salt. (Reserve remaining buttermilk aioli for another salad, or use it as a dip.)

    10 min

  5. 5.

    Do ahead: Buttermilk aioli can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.