My Gluten-Free Staple: The Many Ways with Peas

Pea for 2 or 2 for Pea?

Yes, I’m referring to Peas, those lil’ green guys, not Tea, silly…

Here are a few new ways to play with your Peas…

Pea Cilantro Pesto

Green Peas, Lime Juice, Olive Oil, Fresh Cilantro, Cashews, Sea Salt, Freshly Ground White Pepper, Chili Powder

Pea Deviled Eggs

Greek Plain Yogurt, Hard Boiled Eggs, Sea Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Green Peas, Fresh Thyme

Sweet Pea Chicken Salad

Green Peas, Greek Plain Yogurt, Agave Nectar, Poached Chicken, Julienne Carrots, Julienne Radish, Endive, Radicchio

Butternut Pea Soup

Butternut Squash, Green Peas, Arugula, Low Sodium Vegetable Broth, Greek Plain Yogurt

There is such a vast array of peas, beans and legumes available in food stores and farmer’s markets.  It always amazes me to see the different verities both dry and canned.  I love purchasing a few bags of lentils, garbanzo beans, peas and black peas, cook ‘em up and toss them into my food processor for a hearty lentil hummus with avocado, balsamic vinegar, sea salt and freshly ground pepper. It’s the perfect snack served with gluten-free crackers or crudités and works well in lieu of mayonnaise on sandwiches or as a topping on fresh salads. There are so many fun ways to incorporate these naturally gluten-free staples into your everyday eats.

The peas I always have in my pantry…

Well, that’s easy.

Split Yellow Peas n’ Split Green Peas

Yellow Peas n’ Green Peas

My favorite?

Well, that’s the tough part.

I’m a fan of the Split Yellow Peas. They’re just so tasty.  And pretty.  I love using them to create a creamy soup with almond milk, cashews, avocado and sweet potatoes.

Here are a few simple ways you can incorporate peas, beans and legumes into your daily meals and snacks.

• Toss peas into an egg scramble or omelets with chopped tomatoes, avocado and mushrooms.
• Add lentils and peas to your tomato sauce and serve with gluten-free pasta.
• Try using cranberry beans to replace the meat in your chili to add a hearty protein-packed bite.
• Add peas to your homemade salsa with cilantro, lemon juice and corn.
• Create a homemade hummus using lentils, chickpeas and peas.
• Add peas to your pizza along with chopped pineapple and feta cheese.
• Add lentils and peas to your chicken noodle soup or chicken and rice soup for some extra flavor.
• Substitute peas in for your favorite baked good recipe such as muffins and breads by reducing the oil by half and using peas instead.
• Create a Split Pea Soup with peas, carrots, celery, avocado, all-spice and almond milk.
• Try using peas in lieu of meat for your ‘Meatloaf’ recipe.
• Toss peas into a food processor with walnuts, oil and sun-dried tomatoes to make a delicious pea pesto.
• How about adding some pureed chickpeas or peas to your favorite cornbread recipe?

How do you incorporate peas, beans and legumes into your daily eats?