Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A mild Ethiopian yellow split pea stew gently cooked with turmeric and fresh ginger for a comforting and nutritious dish. This african-inspired vegan ready in about 60 minutes pairs yellow split peas, rinsed, large yellow onion, diced, fresh ginger, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 African cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 7 minutes until softened and lightly golden.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 1 tsp turmeric powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas and 3 cups water, stirring to combine.
  4. Step 4: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes until split peas are tender and the stew thickens, stirring occasionally.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, stirring well and cooking for another 5 minutes before serving warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 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 Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger?

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, rinsed from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger?

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 Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger 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 Simmered Split Pea Kik Alicha with Turmeric and Ginger?

African vegan 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.

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