Yellow Split Pea Dip

Split peas are protein packed and lean - there's just 1 gram of fat per 350 calorie serving of these little guys.  This makes them an awesome addition to any meatless meal.

Yellow split peas are often confused with chick peas since they look a little like a mini-me version of them.  This confusion is also well explained by the recipe below, which ends up tasting and appearing similar to hummus.  It is good used the same way as hummus - either as a spread on bread or as a dip with veggies and pita chips.

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 Cup chopped onion
• 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
• 1/3 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1/2 Cup yellow split peas
• 2 1/2 Cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan.  Add onion and saute until soft (about 3 minutes).  Add garlic and cook one more minute.

Add oregano, thyme, split peas and water.  Bring to boil.  Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender, but still hold their shape (30-45 minutes).

Remove from heat and add lemon zest, salt, and lemon juice.  Set aside to cool to room temp.

Puree in a food processor or blender.  Taste for seasoning.  Add salt if necessary and hot sauce if you like to kick it up a notch.