Sugar Snap Pea Salad With (Crispy Prosciutto And) Mint

Via The Associated Press and Anne Burrell of Food Network. The pancetta is optional and the salad is quite delicious without it.

• Ready In: 24 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

•  kosher salt
• 1  lb sugar snap pea, stem ends and strings removed
•  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 lb prosciutto, thinly sliced thin and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch strips (optional, pancetta, bacon or vegetarian bacon will work)
• 1⁄4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2  cups baby arugula
• 1⁄2 small red onion, julienned
• 1⁄4 cup  pecorino cheese, shaved
• 8 -10  fresh mint leaves, thinly sliced (*fresh* mint only!)
•  cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. To blanch the peas, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of well-salted ice water and set it nearby.
2. Add the peas to the boiling water, let the water return to a boil, then cook for 2 more minutes. Remove the peas from the boiling water and immediately plunge them into the ice water. When the peas are cold, drain them and lay on paper towels to dry.
3. Cut the peas in half lengthwise, then set aside.
4. Coat a medium saute pan with olive oil, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Set the pan over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the garlic with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Add the prosciutto and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until crispy. Add the red wine vinegar. Turn off the heat.
6. In a large bowl, combine the arugula, snap peas, onion and garlic.
7. Scatter the crispy prosciutto on top and any juices from the pan.
8. Add the pecorino and mint.
9. Garnish with cracked black pepper.