What Are Wasabi Peas?

From sodium content to trans fats, science is on a mission to shed light on the evils of popular snack foods. The modern consumer is faced with the challenge of finding noshes that are both savory and savvy. This culinary conundrum has given birth to many popular snack alternatives, such as dried soy beans. Gaining vast popularity from this category are tiny, edible firecrackers known as wasabi peas. A marriage of a common garden vegetable and a beloved sushi condiment proves to be a smart and delicious thing.

Features

Wasabi peas are nothing more than dried green peas with a spicy wasabi coating. Those who enjoy crunchy snacks will appreciate the texture and crispness of the peas, while those who enjoy foods with a spicy kick will enjoy the Japanese horseradish.

Finding Wasabi Peas

Specialty grocery stores such as Trader Joe's and Wild Oats carry wasabi peas in their snack aisles. Any local health food store is almost sure to count them in their inventory. One may even find them in the organic/specialty section of their regular grocery store. Wasabi peas are also certain to be found on specialty food websites, particularly those that carry Japanese foods.

Make Your Own

To make homemade wasabi peas, begin with two cups of dried, whole peas. Soak the peas overnight in a pan of water. After soaking, cook the peas by following the instructions on the bag. Once the peas are cooked and well drained, mix them with two tablespoons of olive oil until they are completely coated. Spread the coated peas onto an oil-coated baking sheet. Bake the peas in a 200 degree oven for about five hours. The peas are ready for the wasabi coating when they appear dry and have a crispy texture. To make the coating, combine four teaspoons wasabi powder, two tablespoons tahini, two tablespoons rice vinegar and two teaspoons of dijon mustard in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Add the freshly cooked peas to the wasabi mixture, using a spatula to make sure the peas are coated evenly. Spread the coated peas onto the baking sheet and bake at 250 degrees for about 15 minutes.

History

While the wasabi pea has a relatively short history, the spicy flavoring agent has been around for centuries. Growing naturally along the streams of Japan, wasabi is a strong-flavored member of the same family as mustard and horseradish. Sushi enthusiasts recognize it as a small, pale green dab of paste on their plate.

Warning

Those with a low tolerance for heat in their foods should approach anything wasabi-related with caution. It offers a pungent spice that can irritate the nasal passages if too much is consumed. Wasabi peas should be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, preferably accompanied by a favorite cold beverage.