Pea appetizer cake

Pea Savory Cake - A Green Refinement in the Kitchen

When it comes to appetizers, the pea cake proves to be an excellent choice, not only for its taste but also for its versatility and the ease with which it can be prepared. This savory cake is ideal for a quick snack, a light lunch, or even a gathering with friends. Let's discover together how we can create this delight!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Ingredients needed for the Pea Savory Cake

- 170 g fresh peas (or even 300 g if you want a more intense flavor)
- 1 cup grated cheese (a mix of fresh cow's cheese and sheep's cheese is ideal)
- 1 cup yogurt (preferably plain, to add extra creaminess)
- 1/2 cup oil (sunflower or olive oil will work wonders)
- 2 cups flour (white flour yields the best results)
- 1 packet (about 10 g) baking powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3-4 eggs (the size can influence the recipe, so adjust as needed)

Preparing the Pea Cake - Step by Step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. If you're using fresh garden peas, make sure to wash them well and boil them in salted water for a few minutes until they become slightly soft. If you're using frozen peas, there's no need to boil them, just let them thaw.

2. Mixing the eggs: In a large bowl, crack the eggs and beat them well with a whisk or mixer. It's essential for the eggs to be well incorporated to achieve an airy texture.

3. Adding the wet ingredients: Add the yogurt and oil to the bowl with the eggs. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. The yogurt will bring a note of freshness, while the oil will contribute to moisture.

4. Incorporating the cheese: Add the grated cheese to the wet mixture. This will add intense flavor and a creamy texture. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the composition.

5. Sifting the dry ingredients: In another bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder. This step is important to avoid lumps in the batter and to ensure a uniform texture.

6. Combining the ingredients: Incorporate the flour mixture into the wet one using a spatula, mixing gently until homogeneous. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter airy.

7. Seasoning: Adjust the taste with salt and pepper, considering that the cheese may already be salty. Taste the composition to ensure it suits your palate.

8. Adding the peas: Finally, add the well-drained and cooled peas. Carefully incorporate the peas into the batter, being careful not to crush them.

9. Preparing the baking pan: Line a loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can use a 25x10 cm pan, but make sure it's large enough to allow the cake to rise.

10. Baking: Pour the composition into the pan and level the surface with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for about 45 minutes or until the cake turns golden and easily pulls away from the edges of the pan. You can check if it's done using a skewer; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.

11. Cooling: Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a rack to cool completely. This step is important to prevent condensation, which can make the cake wet.

Serving the Pea Cake

The pea savory cake can be served warm or cold. You can slice it and arrange it on a nice platter, perhaps alongside some cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices for a touch of freshness. It also pairs wonderfully with a green salad or a yogurt-based herb dip.

Tips and Suggestions

- Cheese variations: Depending on your preferences, you can use different types of cheese - feta, goat cheese, or even a mix of aged cheeses.
- Adding other vegetables: You can experiment with grated carrots or bell peppers to add extra color and texture.
- Spices: Add dried or fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to enhance the flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

The pea cake is not only tasty but also healthy. Peas are an excellent source of plant protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, as well as minerals like iron. Cheese provides calcium and protein, while yogurt contributes to digestive health through probiotics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned peas?
Of course! Just make sure to drain them well before adding them to the mixture.

2. How long can the cake be stored?
This cake keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, but you can freeze it for later consumption.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour, just ensure you use a blend that works well for baking.

This pea savory cake is a perfect example of a simple and quick recipe that can impress anyone. By trying this recipe, not only will you bring a splash of color to your table, but you will also enjoy a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy your meal!