Ode to spring
Flavored with fresh herbs and lemon zest, this spring pea hummus is a crowd-pleaser
Walking into either of San Francisco’s two BiRite Markets is a food lover’s dream. You could easily spend an hour or two just browsing the bins, baskets and shelves. Over time, BiRite has branched out to include a creamery and bakeshop, a farm, a catering company and a nonprofit, all of which support the idea that community comes together through good, ethically-sourced food.
Now chef Jason Rose, BiRite’s culinary director, is sharing the secrets behind his favorite, vibrant greenpea hummus. He says it’s sure to please everyone at the table — including the kids.
“I’m dad to a 3½-yearold,” he says, “so speed and nutritional density are critical factors for me in my daily home cooking. That’s why I wrote the recipe using frozen organic English peas. They are available all year round and kids love them! I serve this to my daughter with crudité vegetables — carrots, celery and broccoli — and she loves it!”
Frozen peas are certainly convenient, but fresh spring peas are, of course, wonderful to use when they’re in season — which is now. Blanch them in boiling water for 10 seconds, then shock them in ice water to stop the cooking. Then add oomph with fresh herbs and lemon zest.
Spring Pea Hummus
Makes 2 cups INGREDIENTS
2 cups fresh or frozen English peas 8 ounces sour cream 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons tahini 2 tablespoons chives,
minced
2 tablespoons mint, minced
Juice and grated zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons kosher salt, or to taste 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
INSTRUCTIONS
If using fresh peas, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Fill a large bowl with ice and water. Add the peas to the boiling water and blanch them for 10 seconds. Drain them, then plunge them into the ice bath to stop the cooking. Drain them once more and pat dry.
Chop the peas finely with a knife or pulse them in a food processor.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine all the ingredients, using a rubber spatula to mix them until evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and more lemon juice, as needed.