Quick Veggie Side Dish in Minutes: Sugar Snap Peas

Tonight, I worked later than I expected and then Aaron called me and told me that he was going to have drinks with his coworkers and he would be home later. I knew that I had to rush out to get the dog from her daycare before they close (Bena loves it, by the way!), run to Trader Joe's to buy food to host our weekend guests, then get home to cook dinner for myself. All this running around is pretty normal for our lifestyle, which is of course is why I started this blog to share my time-saving times...but you get the picture. I got home after 7pm and I had to make a very quick and healthy meal. I picked up artichoke ravioli and sugar snap peas in a bag for dinner.

When you're in a major hurry and don't have time to wash and cook a vegetable side dish on the stove top, sugar snap peas in a bag are a convenient and healthy option. I bought my bag from Trader Joe's for about $2.30, but I've also seen them at other grocery stores. The best part is that you can cook them right in the bag, without washing or chopping for only 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Check the instructions on your bag to be sure. These little, sweet babies steamed up exactly as directed. I added a tiny bit of butter, salt, and pepper and they were done in no time! Now, that's a winner! Each bag serves a family with about 4-6 servings.

Sugar snap peas are completely edible so there is no shelling involved! You can get 3 grams of fiber per serving and about 35 calories. On top of the fiber, sugar snap peas are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K and folate. Now that's a nutritional bonus since they cook so quickly, even in the microwave!