by Tori Avey
Peas are a harbinger of spring. They first arrived in America by way of England during the early 1600s. Peas are early bloomers, they are one of the first crops to be harvested from the garden each spring. Thomas Jefferson was a fan of peas and grew around 30 varieties in his garden at Monticello. According to his family history, Jefferson was the originator of the Charlottesville neighborhood pea contest. Whoever produced the first peas of the season would host a community dinner with at least one dish containing the newly harvested peas. I love this idea!
This Spring Pea Guacamole is lighter and much lower in fat than traditional guacamole. It will stay a bright green color, unlike the avocado version which tends to brown, so it’s perfect for serving at parties and buffets. Green peas are high in vitamin K, they’re loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits, and they also support blood sugar regulation. In addition to all of this, they taste like spring!
Tori Avey is a food writer, recipe developer and the creator of ToriAvey.com. Find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram.
Spring Pea Guacamole
by Tori Avey
Ingredients
1 lb frozen green peas, thawed or fresh shelled young peas (small), lightly steamed and cooled
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 jalapeño pepper, cleaned, seeded and diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro
1 tbsp olive oil
2 1/2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
1 tbsp fresh mint
1 tsp lime or lemon zest
3/4 tsp salt, or more to taste (I usually add closer to 1 tsp)
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper, or more to taste
You will also need: Food processor
Servings: 6
In a food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until you reach a guacamole-like consistency (pureed but with texture). Scrape down the sides with a spatula as necessary. Adjust salt and red pepper to taste, if needed. Sprinkle the top with some red pepper flakes before serving (adds spice). This dip can be served chilled or at room temperature depending on preference. Try it with tortilla chips, pita chips, crudités, or anything you like to dip in traditional guacamole. Use gluten free dippers if you're keeping this recipe GF.
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