Sweet Pea & Mint Hummus with Spicy Pita Chips

© Chef Michael Smith 2018

Hummus is most often made with dried legumes like chickpeas but it’s just as delicious whipped up with fresh, green peas. Especially when it’s brightened with lots of spicy flavour balanced with cool mint. And what better dipper for dipping such dip than a crispy pita chip? What a great way to fill Half Your Plate with fruits and vegetables!

Serves 4 to 6
For the pita chips
4 pitas
2 tablespoons of your best olive oil
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of sriracha
1 teaspoon of cinnamon

For the hummus
2 cups or so of freshly shucked or frozen peas
the zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons of tahini
1 clove of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon of Sriracha or your favourite hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon of salt
a handful of fresh mint, a cup or so of loosely packed leaves

Begin with the pitas. Prepare and preheat your oven to 350°. Turn on your convection fan if you have one. Whisk together the oil, honey, hot sauce and cinnamon. Brush each pita evenly then lightly sprinkle with salt. Stack the works then cut into six or eight pie-shaped wedges. Arrange the pieces on a baking tray and bake until toasted and crisp, about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile make the hummus. Bring a small saucepot of lightly salted water to a steady simmer. Toss in the peas and cook until they’re bright green and tender but not soft. Drain well and rinse with cold water for a few moments.

Toss the peas into your food processor along with the lemon, tahini, garlic, cumin, salt and mint. Pulse and process until smoothly pureed. Serve and share with lots of crisp pita chips for dipping!

Kitchen Tips
Vegetables aren’t just for supper; they’re great for anchoring snack time too. You can use edible-pod pea varieties like sugar or snap peas to make this hummus. They’re just as delicious and simple to prepare. In a pinch you can even use frozen peas.