Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry
A creamy, aromatic dal infused with turmeric, cumin, and coconut milk. This indian-inspired indian ready in about 55 minutes pairs yellow split peas, medium diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 150g yellow split peas
- 1 medium diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 200ml coconut milk
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, sauté 1 medium diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves in 2 tbsp oil over medium heat until golden, about 8 minutes. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and 1/2 tsp turmeric, stirring for 1 minute.
- Step 2: Add 150g yellow split peas and 200ml coconut milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25-30 minutes until peas are tender.
- Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp ground coriander and adjust salt to taste. Serve with steamed basmati rice and a dollop of yogurt.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep yellow split peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Authentic Indian Yellow Split Peas Curry?
Indian indian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★☆☆
Not bad. Would need significant modifications to make it a regular.
