Last week on the Bravo reality show, Top Chef, the chef-testants were challenged to create the 'last meal' as requested by famous culinary stars such as Lidia Bastianich, Wylie Dufresne and Jacques Pepin. Jacques requested a simple dish of Squab and peas.
I shouted to my TV, "Peas! I know Jacques' peas! I've been making them all week! Yay peas!"(My husband looked at me like I had lost it.)
Chef-testant Carla did a superb job of creating the dish. And for the peas she chose to hand pluck fresh peas, add some butter, salt and pepper. Just how Jacques likes it.
Where did my obsession with Jacques' peas begin? Well, a few weeks ago I was watching Jacques' PBS cooking show where he prepared fresh peas. I was intrigued by the glossy spring green color and got a craving. Peas are a great source of veggie protein, so I was inspired to experiment. Peas are very simple and cheap. I steamed a bag of frozen peas, added my own touches and it was pea bliss. I was hooked. Keep reading for pea nutrition facts, my super simple recipe for Jacques Pepin style, vegan Buttered Sweet Petite Peas, and to read Jacques' quote about his chosen 'last meal'....
Jacques Pepin On his Last Meal of Squab and Peas:
Bravotv.com asked: The whole theme of this episode revolved around "the last meal." You chose squab and peas. What does that dish mean to you?
Jacques: I had a hard time there because I would, of course, want my last meal to be very, very, very long with all the food that I like. When I was a kid the squab was one of the special treats that we would get occasionally throughout the year. The fresh peas, for me, is really a celebration of spring and is very appealing to me. Carla did that very, very well. I remember the peas more than the squab actually. They were really fantastic.
Buttered Sweet Petite Peas
vegan
Ingredients:
1 bag of organic frozen petite peas. My favorite brand is Columbia River Organics (I found them at Whole Foods).
2 Tbsp. Vegan "butter" spread (spectrum spread, canola oil spread, etc.)
salt and pepper
MAKE: Poke a hole in bag. Microwave for 4-5 minutes. Allow steam to puff up bag.
Toss peas with butter and salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm.
Nutrition Facts:
(peas only)
1 serving, ½ cup
(3 servings per bag)
calories: 40
fat: 0g
protein: 2g
fiber: 2g
carbs: 8 g
vitamin A: 20%
Peas are a very good source of protein, B vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, potassium and vitamins K, C and A.
