Pea protein is a vegetable protein source derived from peas.
It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all the essential amino acids the human body needs to function properly, making it a popular choice for vegans and vegetarians looking to get enough protein in their diet.
Pea protein is considered a high quality protein, as it is easily digestible and absorbable by the body.
It is also a rich source of iron, which is important for red blood cell production and immune system health.
It is commonly used as a nutritional supplement to increase dietary protein intake, and can also be found in processed food products as an alternative to animal protein.
Pea protein has also been used in research studies to assess its potential health benefits, including its ability to lower blood pressure and improve kidney health.
Pea protein is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of applications in the kitchen.
Some of the most common applications are:
Protein supplementation:
Pea protein is often used as a nutritional supplement to increase dietary protein intake.
It can easily be mixed into drinks or shakes for an extra dose of protein.
Additive for baked products:
Pea protein can be used as an additive in baked goods to increase the protein content.
It can be added to bread and biscuit doughs to increase their nutritional value.
Flour substitute:
Pea protein can be used as a partial substitute for flour in some recipes.
For example, it can be mixed with wheat flour to make pasta with a higher protein content.
Thickening agent:
Pea protein can be used as a thickener in vegetarian soups and sauces, as it helps to give them a creamier texture.
Smoothie base:
Pea protein can be mixed with milk or yoghurt to make protein-rich shakes.
It can also be blended with fruits and vegetables to make healthy smoothies.
Egg substitute:
Pea protein can be used as an egg substitute in some recipes.
It can be mixed with water to create a mixture similar to egg white and can be used to make meringues and other desserts.
Salad topping:
Pea protein can be used as a salad topping for added protein and crunch.
It can be roasted in the oven to create pea protein croutons.
Cheese alternative:
Pea protein can be used to make vegan cheese alternatives.
It can be mixed with other ingredients to create a vegan cream cheese or to make vegan pizza cheese.
Minced meat substitute:
Pea protein can be used as a substitute for minced meat in recipes such as vegan chilli and vegan Bolognese sauce.
Pea protein can be mixed with other ingredients such as mushrooms and carrots to create a texture similar to minced meat.
In summary, pea protein is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in many applications in the kitchen to increase the protein content and improve the nutritional value of food.