In many homes, the high cost of avocado often makes people hesitate when organizing a friendly aperitif. To maintain the melting texture and vibrant color of this Mexican specialty without breaking the bank, a simple tip is all the rage: using peas as the main ingredient.
Inventive, light and very fragrant, this version reinvents the classic dip by focusing on a seasonal vegetable that is easy to find and particularly good for your health.
The step-by-step recipe for pea guacamole
To make this revisited recipe for four people, the list of ingredients remains very accessible. You will need: 250 g of shelled peas (or 600 g with the pods), half a red onion, the juice of half a lime, a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of chili sauce, half a bunch of coriander, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper.
Preparation only takes 15 minutes:
- Cook the peas for about 5 minutes in a pan of boiling salted water;
- Immerse them immediately in a large bowl of iced water: this thermal shock stops the cooking and preserves a very bright green color;
- Drain the vegetables carefully, then mix them with the red onion, lime juice, olive oil, paprika or chili sauce, salt and pepper.
If the consistency seems too dense to you, add a splash of very cold water, then add the finely chopped coriander before serving.
Why does the pea imitate the avocado so well?
This “poiscamole” immediately surprises with its texture extremely close to the original recipe. The natural starch of the peas provides a velvety taste, while the olive oil offers the quality fats usually provided by the avocado.
Beyond the taste pleasure, this choice is particularly relevant from an environmental and economic point of view. Avocado cultivation requires a considerable amount of water (around 1,000 liters for a single kilo of avocados) and often involves lengthy transportation. Conversely, peas – whether fresh, frozen or canned – are easily accessible in local or French production, at low prices all year round.
Nutritional benefits and presentation advice
In terms of health, this alternative version does not lack advantages. Peas are rich in fiber and vegetable proteins, guaranteeing a quick satiating effect for a much more moderate calorie intake than that of very ripe avocado. It’s the ideal option for sharing a gourmet moment while taking care of your figure.
For presentation, place your preparation in a bowl accompanied by tortillas, nachos or simply raw vegetable sticks (carrots, cucumbers, radishes). Remember to keep the preparation in the refrigerator until the last moment, covering it with cling film on contact to preserve its freshness.