Description
This Easy Split Pea Curry is a high-protein, oil-free dish that delivers vibrant flavors from warming spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander. Made with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop, it is a wholesome, comforting curry perfect for a nutritious meal. The golden yellow split peas soften into a creamy texture, complemented by a touch of tomato puree and optional cinnamon for added depth. Ideal for a healthy, plant-based diet, this curry is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups water, divided
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup canned tomato puree
Spices
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Suggested Toppings (optional)
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Plain yogurt or vegan yogurt
- Lime wedges
- Chopped green chilies
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion: In a medium, heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup (125 mL) of the water with the chopped onion. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat and cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add Spices and Ingredients: Stir in the ground ginger, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and optional cinnamon. Add the rinsed yellow split peas and tomato puree to the pan. Cook and stir everything together for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices and combine the flavors.
- Simmer the Curry: Pour in the remaining 3 cups of water, bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan partially and let the curry simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes until the split peas are tender and cooked through. For a creamier texture, cook for an additional 5 minutes, adding water as needed to keep the desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the curry and adjust salt if necessary. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as fresh cilantro, yogurt, lime wedges, or chopped green chilies to enhance the flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute canned tomato puree with fresh pureed tomatoes or crushed tomatoes for a fresher, tangier flavor.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level; omit for a milder curry.
- This curry pairs well with rice, flatbreads like naan or chapati, or can be served as a hearty stew on its own.
- For added protein and texture, consider topping with roasted nuts or seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
Keywords: Split pea curry, oil-free curry, vegan curry, high protein curry, Indian spices, easy curry recipe
