Green Pigeon Pea Dip

I love pigeon peas and use it in many of my recipes like Jamaican Rice And Pigeon Peas, Jamaican Pigeon Peas Stew, Jamaican Gungo Peas Soup. 

If you are looking for creative ways to prepare pigeon peas, then look no further. This vegan dip will definitely be a huge hit when you serve it. 

Is There Another Name For Pigeon Peas?

Yes, there is, this legume is popular in Jamaica, it is also called Gungo Peas there. In other parts of the world, it is called, Congo Pea, Angola Pea, Red Gram, Toor Dal. 

Are Pigeon Peas The Same As Green Peas?

No, they are not the same, green peas that are mostly sold in the freezer sections in the grocery stores. Green peas are much softer than green pigeon peas.  Green peas taste sweet than green pigeon peas.

What Are Green Pigeon Pea?

Green pigeon peas are the immature peas that are harvested from perennial plants that bear fuzzy pods. The seeds are green when immature and speckled brown when dried. There are different varieties that produce different color seeds. 

It is believed that it got the name ‘Pigeon Pea’ because it was used to feed pigeons. It is cultivated in tropical regions of the world including Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America. 

The green pigeon peas are used to prepare soups, stews, and rice dishes without soaking. The dried peas are soaked first then cooked. The flavor is earthy and nutty. 

The green pigeon peas cook quicker than the dried pigeon peas. The plant grows well in arid soil and yields plenty of pods that are nutrient-dense. 

I have been growing and harvesting my own pigeon peas since my childhood days and I always cook both green pigeon peas and dry pigeon peas. 

Are Green Pigeon Peas Good For You?

Yes, pigeon peas are high in protein and fiber so they are a great addition especially for those who follow a plant-based lifestyle. One cup of pigeon peas contains 11 grams of protein. They contain Vitamin B-complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. 

Minerals in pigeon peas are phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium, potassium, zinc, and iron.

Green Pigeon Pea Dip Ingredients

• Pigeon Peas – you can cook your own green pigeon peas from fresh peas, the frozen ones, or the canned ones. You can find the frozen or canned green peas at most major supermarkets in the Caribbean aisle or you can find them at Latino, Caribbean, and African supermarkets.
• Vegan Cream Cheese – I use a store-bought vegan cream cheese but you could substitute it with my Cashew Cream or Vegan Sour Cream recipes.
• Garlic – added for flavor, If you are a garlic lover you can add extra.
• Lime Juice – you can substitute it with lemon juice.
• Spices – cumin, cayenne pepper, salt.

How To Make Green Pigeon Pea Dip?

1. Place all the ingredients in the food processor except the vegan shredded cheese. Process until smooth. 
2. Scoop the dip into a prepared baking dish, sprinkle the top with vegan cheese. 
3. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Garnish with cherry tomatoes, green onion, and chopped cilantro. 
5. Serve hot or cold. 

How To Serve Bean Dip?

1. Homemade Vegan Nacho Cheese Doritos, or other flavors tortilla chips.
2. Crackers  – Brown Rice And Flaxseed Crackers.
3. Chips – Taro Chips, Jicama Chips, Low-Calorie Oven Baked Potato Chips. Air Fryer Jerk Plantain Chips, Air-Fryer Zucchini Chips.

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