Baked Green Pea Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce | SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free

"Luck is believing you're lucky."
Tennessee Williams

We decided this weekend is the perfect time to embrace the warmer weather and hints of spring so we've added a little green into our day and into our food. I have been working on a recipe for veggie bites for some time now, but I haven't been able to narrow down a taste and texture that my whole family agrees on. My youngest has a serious passion for green peas and eagerly suggested I use them in my recipe. And you know what, she is on to something! Peas are the perfect texture for these veggie fritters and they are one hundred percent kid approved. Since peas are naturally sweeter in flavor, they balance well with the other veggies and healthy herbs. Add a side of homemade tzatziki sauce and dinner is covered!

Health Benefits of Peas
1. Peas are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which plays a significant role in in the production of collagen. Collagen helps keep the skin firm and glowing. Vitamin C also protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. The insoluble fibre content present in peas helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
3. The lutein and vitamin A in peas also protects your eyes. Lutein, a natural plant pigment, is concentrated in the eye, and its antioxidant activity can protect you from both cataracts and macular degeneration by preventing oxidation. Vitamin A helps keep the surface of your eyes healthy.
4. Green peas offer a myriad of potent antioxidants. One of its powerful antioxidants includes coumestrol, a polyphenol that may lower your risk of stomach cancer.
5. Green peas contain an impressive amount of fiber, which has been shown to provide many benefits for digestive health.

Baked Green Pea Fritters with Tzatziki Sauce
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
yield: about one dozen fritters

INGREDIENTS
2 cups frozen peas, ¼ cup reserved
1 cup almond flour
¼ cup chopped parsley and cilantro, mixed together
1 cup riced cauliflower (broccoli will work too)
2 eggs
salt & pepper
olive oil or coconut oil

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and grease with olive oil or coconut oil.
2. Place all ingredients, with the exception of the ¼ cup peas, in a food processer and pulse until combined. Make sure not to over mix.
3. Stir in the reserved peas.
4. Using a tablespoon, roll into balls and press into round patties that are about ¼ inch thick. Place on the parchment.
5. Bake for 10 minutes. Using a spatula, carefully flip over and bake for another 10 minutes.
6. Allow to cool and serve with tzatziki sauce.

Tzatziki Sauce
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Yield: ½ cup

INGREDIENTS
½ cup plain yogurt
¼ cup finely chopped cucumbers
1 Tbs. lemon juice
1 garlic clove (optional, I omit due to an allergy)
salt

DIRECTIONS
1. Whisk all ingredients together until combined and creamy.
2. Serve immediately.
3. Store in an airtight container for up to five days.

**This recipe was created for Babiekins Magazine and originally published HERE.