Simmered Split Pea Stew with Turmeric and Berbere
A vibrant yellow split pea stew infused with turmeric and berbere spices, slow-cooked until silky and served as a hearty vegetarian main or side. This african-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs yellow split peas, water, medium, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp minced ginger root
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 2 tsp berbere spice mix
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped for garnish fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas under cold running water. In a large pot, combine the peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until peas begin to soften.
- Step 2: While peas simmer, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until softened.
- Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp minced ginger root, 1 tsp turmeric powder, and 2 tsp berbere spice mix. Cook for 2 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the sautéed spiced onion mixture to the pot with the split peas. Stir in 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Continue simmering the stew for another 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peas are fully tender and the stew thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Step 6: Adjust seasoning if needed, then remove from heat and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Split Pea Stew with Turmeric and Berbere 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 Stew with Turmeric and Berbere?
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 Simmered Split Pea Stew with Turmeric and Berbere?
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 Stew with Turmeric and Berbere 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.
Is Simmered Split Pea Stew with Turmeric and Berbere vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
