Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Buttermilk Aioli Recipe

Charred Sugar Snap Peas with Buttermilk Aioli Recipe

  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 garlic clove, finely grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons crème fraîche
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 1/2 pound sugar snap peas, untrimmed, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 tablespoon thinly sliced drained oil-packed Calabrian chiles
  • Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon)
  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.
  2. Prepare grill for medium-high heat.
  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. 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.)
  5. Do ahead: Buttermilk aioli can be made 3 days ahead. Cover and chill.