This dip was made in a desperate attempt to entice the sun from behind the thick, dark clouds. We’ve had a gloomy, grey winter and I’m getting a bit desperate for some sunshine. No, make that a lot desperate. It didn’t help that I saw this on the TV the other day either.
Instead of making chickpea hummus, I used yellow split peas. I know what you’re thinking – why on earth would someone make chickpea-free hummus? I know, the horrors. I do love my chickpeas. However, it’s the season of change (spring!) and I’m busting out these sunny yellow legumes just for the occasion.
It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve made a chickpea free hummus after all – see my red lentil hummus for a fun twist. This time I decided to give yellow split peas a whirl just to see what would happen.
After blending up cooked split peas with common hummus ingredients like tahini, garlic, lemon, and a touch of olive oil, I was in the midst of a dip that could easily be mistaken for the chickpea kind, at least based on outward appearances. Doesn’t this look just like regular hummus?
The taste is quite similar, although obviously not an exact replica – perhaps a bit more earthy. The split peas result in a much thicker hummus than most of us are familiar with, even with a hefty dose of water and a touch of oil added in during processing. This is probably a result of split pea’s high starch content. If you are after a super silky hummus, this probably isn’t the one for you.
After chilling in the fridge it firms up and becomes more spread-like in texture than dip-like. It’s great for spreading on crackers and wraps though. As with most hummus recipes, this one tastes better after it’s had time to sit for a few hours, but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it straight from the bowl! I also took a note from my favourite hummus brand (Fontaine Santé) and added just a touch of white vinegar to give it a little zing.
Looking outside this morning, I think this dip may have worked!
Update @ 11:50am – it is now cloudy and snowing. Winter is a cruel beast.
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Sunshine Spread - Split Pea Hummus
Yield
2 cups
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
This yellow split pea spread is a bit similar to hummus, but much thicker. Enjoy it as a spread on wraps, crackers, and toast!
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked yellow split peas
- 1 large garlic clove
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 4-5 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
- 1/2 cup water, or as much as needed to thin out
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3/4 tsp fine grain sea salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp white vinegar (optional)
Directions
- Drain and rinse the split peas and add to a medium pot along with 2.5 cups water. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes (it took me 35 mins) until the peas are tender and the water is all absorbed.
- Drop a garlic clove into the processor and mince. Add the rest of the ingredients (to taste), along with the cooked split peas, and process until smooth. Scrape down the side of the bowl as needed. I like to let the processor run for a good 2 minutes to get it as smooth as possible.
- Chill in the fridge for a few hours to allow the flavours to develop. This dip will firm up in the fridge so you can just enjoy as is or pop it back into the processor with a bit more oil to smooth it out.
Nutrition Information
(click to expand)
For those of you in Northern climates, I hope you’ll enjoy this comic as much as I did (via 86 Lemons and How Does She – original comic from Sarahlcomics)
I love the name of the spread, sunshine is just what we need in Ontario right now! Great idea to sub the chickpeas for yellow split peas. Love the comic too. :)
The comic is from here: http://sarahlcomics.tumblr.com/post/43983052593/reminded-of-this-from-a-couple-years-ago-by-a
thanks, adding it in!
I will definitely be making this recipe- and I hope we get some sunshine as a result too.
I love the comic with March- we had that day in February- it was +4 and people were walking around in t-shirts and a couple of patios even opened! Now it’s -10 and we’re expecting 10 cm of snow today. I need some sunshine and warmth too!
Oh man, that comic is SPOT on! If my birthday wasn’t in March I’d want to write it off completely… such a tease! I’m so ready for actual spring weather.
This looks like a great recipe, it definitely has brightened my day! I’ve had some issues with chickpeas lately, I need to give this a try for sure!
Mmm I have had the lentil hummus that Summer Fresh makes and it was amazing… It is almost creamier and dare I say cheezier than chickpea hummus! I can only imagine how good this one is…Must make soon. And yes, I just walked home on the second day of spring in yet another snow fall! PLEASE. STOP. NOW…. But maybe this will save our apple blossoms this year?
I agree about the red lentil hummus…when I made it I couldn’t get over how creamy it was! Need to make it again soon.
That does look like a nice little bowlful o’ sunshine right there, doesn’t it?
I had to laugh at your pie chart at the bottom…mmm, pie….huh?…oh yeah. It’s snowing here today and people are totally TICKED off, griping on FB, Twitter, wherever they can and it’s like “hello!!! On the first day of winter were there sleighs on the streets dashing through the snow? No. First day of the new season does not mean brand new weather!” But we had one 73 degree day 2 weeks ago and everyone declared winter a distant memory. So I got a chuckle out of the “irrationally optimistic” part of the chart. :)
The dip/spread sounds great! I never would have thought to use split peas in it. Interesting that they’re that much thicker than chickpeas. The last vertical pic make me want to dig into this dip!
Sunshine hummus! I need some of that please :) It looks delicious !
This looks so good! I love yellow split peas in soup but never thought to use them for hummus. Thanks for the inspiration!
What a great alternative to the standard hummus. I’m all about lentils lately so I’m thinking of doing a lentil hummus!
What a clever idea!! Though I must admit, I am a major chickpea lover :).
Your yellow split pea hummus doesn’t really look different from regular hummus at all. But you’ve made me curious as to how this tastes like, and I’m definitely trying it out.
If this tastes anything like hummus made with chickpeas, I know I’ll be in love :) It’s freeeeeezing here so I could use some sunshine in my life!
That comic was pretty funny! I have never lived in a northern climate so I can’t relate. I never realized how long winter lasted in the the north until I started reading blogs. Crazy! This hummus sounds so good. I wonder what the protein difference is from split peas to chickpeas?
Oh, yum! I was planning on making your Endurance Crackers soon- this would be a good accompaniment.
I absolutely love hummus in all flavors – but this is such a creative twist! Can’t wait to try it!
It really feels like Spring is never going to come. I live in Kansas City (MO) and it is snowing and all I want is to feel sunshine on my face and drive with the windows down.
Looks awesome! Seriously, how depressing is this weather? Winter is over!! Commmon sunshine!
I adore alternative hummuses? hummi? Love the name, Sunshine Spread, it is definitely what I need right now.
I saw that comic on 86Lemons yesterday and thought it was hilarious. We had that one warm day on 3/10, it was 66 degrees! Ever since we’ve had snow and cold, brr!
Yep, in Wisconsin we had a fun day where it seemed potentially pre-springlike, with weather in the mid- to high-30s. Now it’s back to being 7-10* F/ -12 to -13* C with snow on the ground.
I can’t wait for actual spring, in which the weather is warm and there is no snow.