Crushed Peas with Smoky Sesame Dressing

How many of you have fond memories of peas when you were a kid?  Not many, including my husband.  I was indifferent to be honest.  I haven't really had them any way besides steamed with butter or in a mayo-based pea salad.  However, when I saw this recipe for a healthy variation on a pea salad, I had to give it a try. 

{Crushed Peas with Smoky Sesame Dressing}

While I am at it, I'm knocking out a food challenge for a vegetarian soup or salad with No Croutons Required!!!

{Mixing dressing}

{Crushing peas}

Crushed Peas with Smoky Sesame Dressing
from smitten kitchen

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3-5 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Makes 4 servings (main dish) or 8 (side dish)

1 pound peas, fresh or frozen then thawed
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini (sesame seed paste found in the Mediterranean section of most grocery stores)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons water
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon paprika
2 green onions, chopped

1. Steam peas until tender, about 3 minutes or longer if you want a softer texture.
2. Meanwhile, mix yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, water, cumin, and paprika together in a small bowl.  Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once peas have reached your desired texture, drain  and rinse in cool water until peas are cool.
4. Let peas set for about 10 minutes, shaking to drain excess water.
5. Place peas in a bowl and add dressing.
6. Stir to coat peas.
7. Chill in the fridge at least 4 hours up to overnight.
8. Serve topped with green onions and crackers, bread, or toasted pita.

This salad is not at all spicy due to the paprika; instead, the combination of paprika and cumin gave it a smoky flavor without the work!  This can be a main dish or side dish to another grilled or Mediterranean dish.  This salad was so easy to make too!

Have you ever given an ingredient a second or third chance to make it into your diet?  I have to be honest, I'm a bit excited to incorporate more peas into mine!

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