Wasabi Peas

From the Vitality Food Feature ‘Healthy Holiday Munchies‘.

I was introduced to wasabi peas years ago and no matter how often I snack on them, I never tire of that wonderful burst of flavour when you pop one into your mouth! In my circle of friends we often joke that one never gets bored at a party when sitting next to a bowl of enlivening wasabi peas.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of dried whole peas
• 1/2 Tbsp tahini
• 3 tsp wasabi powder (you can buy this inexpensive item at specialty shops that cater to Oriental cooking)
• 1 Tbsp ready-made wasabi paste (available at larger grocery stores or specialty shops. It is extremely hot so use more or less according to heat tolerance)
• 2 tsp dry mustard powder
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar

1) Soak peas in water to cover for 12 hours or overnight. Drain. Add fresh water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are merely tender. Drain and let air dry in sieve.

2) Spread peas on non-stick or lightly oiled baking sheets. Roast in 200 F oven for an hour or until peas begin to dry. Empty into a bowl.

3) Combine remaining ingredients and mix into peas, stirring until evenly coated. Spread peas back on baking sheets and bake 250 F for 20 minutes or until coating is dry. Cool and store in tightly covered container.