Thursday, August 28, 2008

Peas, Patties, Please... Pea Vines That Is

Pea Vine Curlies

I came up with these patties after coming home with a bag full of pea vines. I had been wanting to try them for a while and couldn't resist purchasing some on my last trip to my Asian grocery store. There's something so pretty about the way this plant twirls playfully, it seems a shame that we only eat the fruit but neglect the vines and leaves.

Focus on Pea Vine Plant

I chewed on a bit of the raw leaf and after a quick analysis concluded that they tasted a lot like what peas would taste like if they were only slightly bitter, but not unpleasantly so. Having a serious penchant for indian food, I envisioned them as beautiful little green chickpea vegetable patties, with a yogurt sauce.

Pea Vine Patties

My family loved them and requested an encore. Even little Mr. Picky didn't gag in his usual dramatic manner--which we all find way too entertaining... He only does it when I try to feed him something leafy and green. It's quite comical because you can see the wheels turning in his eyes before he starts shaking his head, pursing his lips and looking disgusted. He makes sure all our eyes are on him then he proceeds to the next level and gives the full effect. He grabs his throat, squeezes and makes gagging sounds. It amazes me, even more so that no one is actually forcing him to eat the food in question-- but I am not about to tell him that. No matter how dramatic he gets, he still thanks me afterwards, unsolicited, for a yummy dinner. I just feel lucky that he only does that for us and not when we are guests at someone else's table.

Pea Vine Patties w/ yogurt sauce

Pea Vine, Zucchini Patties with Yogurt Sauce (serves 4)
This is great with pea vines but if you can't find any then substitute spinach or swiss chard for it.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp of olive oil + for the pan
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon of curry powder
4 cups of chopped pea vines
2 cups of shredded zucchini
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 cup of cooked chickpeas (canned okay), coarsely mashed
1 large egg
2 tablespoon of chickpea flour

1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 cup of cilantro
juice of small lime (1 tablespoon)
1 garlic clove, put through a press
1 roma tomato, diced
1/2 teaspoon of salt

Preheat oven 375F.
Oil a cookie sheet with a thin layer of olive oil.
In a pan, heat the oil on a medium flame. Add the minced garlic and then the spices (cumin through curry powder). Add the pea vines or other greens (if using an alternate). Saute until leaves begin to wilt and then add the zucchini. Cook until zucchini becomes just translucent. Add the salt and the chickpeas. Transfer to a bowl and mix in the egg, followed by the chickpea flour. Mix well and using your hands form into patties (about 1/4 cup per patty). Place on the cookie sheet and bake in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Check after 20 minutes to see if patties are firm.

While the patties cook prepare the yogurt sauce by mixing the yogurt and the next five ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until needed.

If you liked this post, you will also enjoy:
Halibut Curry

9 comments:

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

Such vibrant patties!

Arundathi said...

That looks delicious! A great idea for the pea shoots. i wonder if you can grow your own by planting some sprouted peas at home. hmm.

Clumbsy Cookie said...

So creative! I loved how you used the pea vines! The pictures are great too! You'll win me anytime with zuchini, i like it in any shape or form. The tart on the bottom looks delicious as well!

Dewi said...

Alexa,
That is one delice looking patties, the yogurt sauce is making it even mouth watering. I am book marking this one.

Susan said...

Can't wait for my own garden so I can harvest pea vines among many other choice and rare goodies.

Beans pair so well with greens - rich flavors and textures, but no guilt.

Alexa said...

Veggiegirl,
I find this type of meal so much fun to eat and to look at. Thanks for your comment.

Arundathi,
I think that's a question for Bee over at Jugalbandi... I would love to have those in my backyard.

Clumbsy Cookie,
Thank you so much. I am a vegetable addict so I can relate to your love of zucchinis.

Elra,
Glad to hear you liked this recipe. Enjoy!

Susan,
I am hoping I'll have a few things growing by next season too. Of course nothing could ever replace my wonderful CSA... but having a some fresh veggies right out my door is on my to do list for next year.

maybelles mom said...

delicious, delicious. I adore pea shoots and then pea vines.

Lore said...

This is indeed very creative, lovely idea to use pea vines in patties! And that sauce is right up my alley, yum :)

Helene said...

Those pea vines are so beautiful! The patties sound very refreshing with the yogurt sauce!

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