Green Split Peas
Delicious and Nutritious Green Split Pea Recipes
Green split peas are a fantastic ingredient to have in your pantry. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, they are not only healthy but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking to create a hearty soup, a flavorful curry, or a simple side dish, green split peas can do it all. Here are some delightful recipes to inspire your next meal.
1. Classic Split Pea Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 cups green split peas
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced ham or bacon for added flavor
Instructions:
- Rinse the green split peas under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a large pot, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the green split peas, bay leaf, thyme, and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 60-90 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and blend the soup to your desired consistency using an immersion blender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.
2. Spicy Green Split Pea Curry
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green split peas
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 can coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
- Cooked rice or naan bread (for serving)
Instructions:
- Rinse the green split peas and soak them in water for 1-2 hours (optional, but speeds up cooking).
- In a large pot, sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they break down.
- Stir in the curry powder, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
- Add the green split peas and water or vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Stir in the coconut milk and simmer for an additional 10 minutes.
- Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with rice or naan.
3. Green Split Pea Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green split peas
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Rinse and cook the green split peas in boiling water until tender, about 30 minutes. Drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked peas, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and serve chilled or at room temperature.
4. Green Split Pea and Quinoa Patties
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green split peas
- 1/2 cup quinoa
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg (or flax egg for a vegan option)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- Cook the green split peas and quinoa separately according to package instructions. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, mash the green split peas until smooth.
- Add the cooked quinoa, onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into patties.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or in a sandwich.
5. Green Split Pea Hummus
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked green split peas
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- Water as needed
Instructions:
- Combine the cooked green split peas, tahini, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, cumin, and salt in a food processor.
- Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with pita bread, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Green split peas are an excellent way to add protein and fiber to your meals. Try these recipes and discover how delicious healthy eating can be!