Raw Hot Peas

This is one of those things that does not make sense until you try it. It is definitely not for everyone but if you like Wasabi peas then you will love these. You can turn the spicy heat up or down easily. Most of the spices in this recipe below are not raw. Most store bought spices come from herbs and peppers that are dried in high heat (above 110°F). It is best to buy sun dried herbs and peppers. Better yet is to grow your own and sun dry them or dehydrate them. Then you can grind them fresh.

Ingredients:

• Peas sprouted 3 days (1 cup)
• Chili powder (3 tbs heaping)
• Cumin powder (2 tbs)
• Turmeric Powder (2 tbs)
• Coriander Powder (1 tbs)
• Cayenne Powder (1 tbs)
• Ancho Chili powder (1 tbs or Chipotle Powder)
• Olive Oil (2 tbs) 

Dried peas can be bought inexpensively in large quantities at ethnic grocery stores. They are popular in the Indian section. Buy small bags of any brand you find to see which brand sprouts the best. Soak for 6 to 12 hours. These require 3 times the volume of water to peas as they swell up. Then let them sprout for at least 24 hours. I usually sprout peas 48 to 60 hours.

In a bowl, mix the peas with the spices and oil. Try one and adjust the flavor by adding more of the spice you want to accentuate. The Chili powder and the Ancho or Chipotle powder are the 2 main flavors. The oil is used to coat the peas with the spices. You do not want too much oil or the spices run off the peas. You can also use Curry or Garam Masala to go Indian peas instead of Mexican peas. Wasabi powder or wasabi paste gives it a real kick. Experiment. These make a great snack or hiking food. I add them to green salads and to raw soaps for some crunch. With or without the spices they keep covered in the refrigerator for around 4 days.

In the lower part of the photo below are peas that were sprouted for about 60 hours. You do not have to sprout this long as they are soft enough to eat after about 18 hours of sprouting. Even after 60 hours they still have some crunchiness. After 48 hours they have begun to produce the extra vitamins that sprouting is known for. The top of the photo shows the sprouted peas with the spices. Salud!