Savoury Green Pea Muffins

Serves 10

Green pea flour is one of the latest options in the burgeoning gluten-free flour category. It can add an earthy element and a splash of colour to pancakes, cookies and savoury muffins. If you can’t find the flour at a store near you, try making your own by blending dried green split peas into a very fine powder in a food processor, spice grinder or high-powered blender. These muffins are best served warm with a wisp of butter.

1 cup (250 ml) wholemeal flour
3/4 cup (180 ml) green pea flour
1 1/2 Tbsp (30 ml) finely chopped chives 
1 tsp (5 ml) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 ml) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 ml) sea salt
2 large free-range eggs
1 1/2 Tbsp (30 ml) honey
3/4 cup (180 ml) reduced-fat ricotta cheese
1/3 cup (80 ml) extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (60 ml) low-fat milk or unflavoured nondairy alternative 
2 garlic cloves, crushed or very finely chopped

Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).

In large bowl, stir together wholemeal flour, green pea flour, chives, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In separate bowl, lightly beat eggs and stir in honey, ricotta cheese, olive oil, milk and garlic. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until everything is moist. If mixture is too dry, mix in extra milk 1 Tbsp (20 ml) at a time.

Divide mixture among 10 standard-sized greased or paper-lined muffin cups. Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into centre of a muffin comes out mostly clean. Let cool several minutes before unmoulding.

Each serving contains: 829 kilojoules; 8 g protein; 9 g total fat (2 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 22 g total carbohydrates (6 g sugars, 5 g fibre); 173 mg sodium

source: "Little Green Giants", alive Australia #19, Autumn 2014