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This turmeric yellow split peas recipe (no soaking!) is a cozy, comforting, yet nourishing easy, one pot, side or main made with basic pantry staples. + It’s gluten-free, vegan, & loaded with plant-based protein!
Table of contents
One-Pot Nourishing Turmeric Yellow Split Peas
Frugal pulses like beans and lentils make some of our favorite cozy, comforting, hearty plant-based meals loaded with fiber and protein. However, equally frugal split peas don’t seem to get as much love. However, one day, we were throwing things together to use up half a bag of split peas and came up with this simple recipe for split peas that we think you’ll love.
These cooked split peas combine the hearty yellow split peas with broccoli and zucchini in an aromatic ginger, garlic, onion, and chili-infused vegetable broth with earthy turmeric. The result is ultra-comforting, nourishing, super nutritional, and loaded with fiber and a whopping 16 grams of protein per serving.
Even better, it can easily be transformed with simple add-ins to curried split peas, yellow split pea dal, and more – ready to enjoy as a crowd-pleasing side or main. It’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and optionally oil-free for the whole family to enjoy.
You might also enjoy vegan split pea soup, curried lentils, and red lentil stew.
The Ingredients and Substitutes
- Oil: Like olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil, or avocado oil.
- Aromatics: Give this simple recipe for split peas a super flavor-packed base with a combination of white or yellow onion, garlic cloves, ginger, and jalapeno (or other chili type – adjust to desired heat level).
- Split peas: Use yellow split peas, green split peas (which are slightly sweeter), or even red lentils.
Make sure to sort through the split peas to remove any debris. Then rinse them in a colander and continue with the recipe as written.
- Vegetables: (technically optional) Broccoli and zucchini bulk up this nutritious dish. Feel free to use other veggies, like finely diced carrot, ½-inch cubed sweet potato or butternut squash, bell pepper, etc.
- Turmeric: This spice adds a warm, earthy flavor and many potential health benefits, including anti-inflammation, brain health, heart health, etc.
Freshly cracked black pepper increases the absorption of turmeric by up to 300%.
- Vegetable broth: Use a rich, regular, or reduced-sodium broth.
- Sea salt & black pepper: To season to taste.
Recipe Variations + Add-ins
This simple split peas recipe is truly versatile in dozens of ways, including:
- Yellow split pea dal: This recipe already contains the base ingredients of a simple dal. Increase the flavor with cumin (½-1 tsp), optionally cinnamon (½ a stick), whole cloves (3-5), and/or chili powder (to taste). Add them in step 3 to bloom the spices, then remove any whole spices before serving.
- Curried split peas: Add curry paste, curry powder, or garam masala to taste for a simple curry split peas recipe.
- Yellow split pea soup: Increase the amount of liquid and optionally blend. Adjust seasonings accordingly.
- Tomato puree: Add just 1-2 tablespoons for a richer depth of flavor.
- Nutritional yeast: Add subtle ‘cheesy’ flavor with 2-3 tbsp in step 3.
- Spinach: (Or kale) Throw in 2-3 handfuls at the end, stir, and leave to wilt.
- Coconut milk: Make creamier curried yellow split peas with ¼ cup at the end.
- Oil-free: Replace the oil with about ¼ cup of additional broth.
How to Cook Yellow Split Peas
Keep scrolling to the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and recipe instructions.
- First, peel and mince the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, finely dice the onion, and chop the broccoli (into small florets) and zucchini.
- Then, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until tender and translucent.
- Stir in the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.
To bloom the turmeric for enhanced flavor, add it in step 3, too.
- Add the broccoli, zucchini, split peas, turmeric, salt, and broth, and stir. Then, bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid, and lower to a simmer for 30-40 minutes until the vegetables are tender and most of the broth has absorbed.
The time it takes to cook the split peas can vary. If they aren’t ready at 40 minutes, add more water (if needed) and continue to cook in 10-minute increments until soft.
- Then, increase the heat and stir continuously until the remaining broth evaporates and it thickens.
Optionally, garnish the turmeric yellow split peas with some lemon wedges, cilantro, and even a swirl of yogurt. Enjoy!
FAQs
Cooking split peas can take a bit of patience as their cooking time can vary massively based on the type of split peas, their age (this is a massive factor), the size of the pan used, the exact heat, etc. All we can recommend is to continue adding more water or broth and simmering for longer – to your desired consistency.
It can also be a good idea to refer to the packaging, as some recommend that you soak the split peas overnight, which can help them cook in less time.
Generally, no, as their small ‘split’ size makes them quicker to cook than some other legumes. Having said that, some packages recommend you soak them overnight for quicker and more even cooking.
When pressure cooking split peas, use the sauté function in the Instant Pot for steps 2-3, then add the ingredients using a 1:2 ratio of split peas to the broth and cook on MANUAL high pressure for 10 minutes. Then, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
Split peas are low-fat, high-fiber, and high-protein, containing several important micronutrients like iron, zinc, and phosphorus. This simple yellow split peas dal-like recipe then combines them with other beneficial ingredients like other veggies, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon for a nourishing, highly beneficial meal.
Pro Recipe Tips
- Adjust the amount of liquid: If it absorbs before the split peas are cooked to your liking, simply add a little more and continue to cook.
- Read the packaging: Some recommend soaking the split peas overnight. If you skip the step, they can take significantly longer to cook.
- Cooking time can vary: Based on the type of split pea used, their age, pan size, and exact heat level. Usually between 40-80 minutes.
- For the best flavor: Temper the spices (ground or whole) in step 3 until fragrant. This helps bring out their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
There are several ways to enjoy the cooked split peas, either as a side or main with:
- White or brown rice, quinoa, farro
- Cauliflower rice
- Roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, or spaghetti squash
- Sauteed spinach, kale, or swiss chard
- Naan bread
- A simple salad – like a vegan Caesar salad, raw carrot salad, or kale salad
Storage Instructions
Cooked split peas make great leftovers. Leave them to cool, then store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
You can also freeze them for 2-3 months in an airtight container or Ziplock/Stasher bag/s (spread flat and excess air squeezed out). Leave it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
To reheat the yellow split peas, use a microwave or stovetop, adding an extra splash of water or broth if it seems a little dry.
More Vegan Pulse Recipes
- Chickpea carrot curry
- Spicy lentil soup
- Lentil and carrot soup
- Vegan lentil Bolognese
- Easy garbanzo bean soup
- Kidney bean vegetable stew
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Veggie Turmeric Yellow Split Peas
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (1-inch) piece of ginger, minced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 1 ½ cups of chopped broccoli
- 1 cup of diced zucchini
- 1 cup of yellow split peas
- ½ teaspoon of turmeric
- 2 ¾ cups of vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon of salt
Instructions
- In a large pan with a lid, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute for 5 minutes or until the onions become tender and translucent.
- Add the garlic, ginger, and jalapeno, and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, zucchini, split peas, turmeric, vegetable broth, and salt. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil, cover with a lid, and then lower to a simmer for 30 minutes. If there’s still broth in the pan when you remove the lid, turn up the heat and stir continuously until the broth evaporates and it becomes a thicker consistency.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of liquid: If it absorbs before the split peas are cooked to your liking, simply add a little more and continue to cook.
- Read the packaging: Some recommend soaking the split peas overnight. If you skip the step, they can take significantly longer to cook.
- Cooking time can vary: Based on the type of split pea used, their age, pan size, and exact heat level. Usually between 40-80 minutes.
- For the best flavor: Temper the spices (ground or whole) in step 3 until fragrant. This helps bring out their flavor.
So delicious and healthy!
Yum! So healthy and tasty all in one!