Egyptian pea is a nickname for a legume called Lathyrus sativus, which is commonly grown in Egypt and parts of Asia. The plant is also known as grass pea, Indian pea, or chickling vetch. The seeds of the plant are a rich source of protein and are used in many traditional dishes. The plant is also used as animal feed and as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop. The name "Egyptian pea" is derived from the fact that the legume has been cultivated in Egypt for thousands of years, dating back to ancient times when it was used for food and medicine.