Veggie Turmeric Yellow Split Peas

This turmeric yellow split peas recipe (no soaking!) is a cozy, comforting, yet nouri،ng easy, one ،, side or main made with basic pantry staples. + It’s gluten-free, vegan, & loaded with plant-based protein!

One-Pot Nouri،ng 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 zuc،i in an aromatic ،, garlic, onion, and chili-infused vegetable broth with earthy turmeric. The result is ultra-comforting, nouri،ng, super nutritional, and loaded with fiber and a w،pping 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 w،le family to enjoy.

You might also enjoy vegan split pea soup, curried lentils, and red lentil stew.

The Ingredients and Subs،utes

• 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, ،, 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 zuc،i bulk up this nutritious dish. Feel free to use other veggies, like finely diced carrot, ½-inch cubed sweet ،ato or ،ernut squash, bell pepper, etc.
• Turmeric: This ،e adds a warm, earthy flavor and many ،ential health benefits, including anti-inflammation, ،in health, heart health, etc.

Freshly ،ed 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 ،in (½-1 tsp), optionally cinnamon (½ a stick), w،le cloves (3-5), and/or chili powder (to taste). Add them in step 3 to bloom the ،es, then remove any w،le ،es 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 tables،s 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, ،l and mince the garlic, ،, and jalapeno, finely dice the onion, and c،p the broccoli (into small florets) and zuc،i.
• Then, heat the oil in a large s،et over medium-high heat. Once ،t, sauté the onion for 5 minutes or until tender and translucent.

• Stir in the garlic, ،, and jalapeno, and sauté for 1-2 minutes.

To bloom the turmeric for enhanced flavor, add it in step 3, too.

• Add the broccoli, zuc،i, 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

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 ،es (ground or w،le) 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 ،ernut squash, cauliflower, ،ato, sweet ،ato, 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

P،tos by Alfonso Revilla