| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 180 | 11g | 2g | 20g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 6g | 4g | 0.8g |
Nothing beats the homey comfort of my Stir-fried Carrots and Peas. Drawing from my New Jersey upbringing where the local produce was always vibrant and fresh, this simple dish is a way to serve a little bit of nostalgia on the plate.
Finding Comfort in Simplicity
This wonderfully humble recipe for Stir-fried Carrots and Peas is an absolute jewel in my culinary repertoire. Raised amidst Italian-American traditions, I’ve always appreciated hearty, flavour-packed dishes. However, sometimes, the beauty of simplicity wins over complex gourmet treats.
This dish may seem rudimentary at first glance, but the delicate dance of the naturally sweet carrots with the peas, bathed in a symphony of ginger, garlic, soy sauce and sesame oil, is an enticing experience. It’s one of those recipes that celebrates the ingredients in their raw, unadulterated form rather than masking them under heavy sauces or spices.
The Health Aspect
The health benefits of carrots and peas are well-known. Carrots, for instance, are a super source of beta carotene, dietary fiber, antioxidants and minerals. Alpha and beta carotenes are converted into vitamin A inside the body, which helps in improving vision and boosts the immune system.[source]
Similarly, peas are also low in fat but high in protein, fiber and micro-nutrients, making this dish not only a feast for the taste buds but also for the body.[source]
Pairing Suggestions
This stir-fried delicacy matches perfectly with a wide range of main courses. It’s particularly delightful when paired with a hearty protein main, such as Roast Chicken or Pan-Roasted Salmon. Also, when looking to add an Asian flair to your dinner, mix it up with Vegetable Lo Mein or Fried Rice.
Whether you’re looking for a simple side dish or a bright and refreshing main on a balmy summer day, this recipe will not disappoint. After all, food always tastes better when it not only satisfies your stomach but also caresses your soul.
What You’ll Need
- 3 cups of carrots, sliced diagonally
- 2 cups of peas, fresh or frozen
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of scallions, finely chopped
- Sesame seeds, for garnishing
Method
Step One
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the 3 cups of carrots diagonally, mince 2 cloves of garlic, and grate 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger. Finely chop 1/2 cup of scallions and set it aside for garnishing later.
Step Two
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan or a wok over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and the grated ginger to the pan. Stir-fry these ingredients for about a minute until fragrant.
Step Three
Add the sliced carrots to the pan and stir-fry them for around 3 to 4 minutes. After the carrots have softened a bit, add the 2 cups of peas to the pan and continue stir-frying for another 2 to 3 minutes until the peas are cooked.
Step Four
Once the carrots and peas are cooked, add the 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir all the ingredients well ensuring that the carrots and peas are well coated with the sauces and spices.
Step Five
Remove the stir-fry from the heat and add the finely chopped scallions. Stir the scallions into the stir-fry.
Step Six
Garnish your Stir-fried Carrots and Peas with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy your meal!
