Simmered Split Peas with Turmeric and Coriander
Golden split peas gently simmered with fragrant turmeric and coriander for a simple, nourishing side dish rooted in Ethiopian flavors. This ethiopian-inspired vegan ready in about 60 minutes pairs rinsed yellow split peas, water, small, finely diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 230 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, rinsed yellow split peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 small, finely diced yellow onion
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon ground coriander. Cook for 1 minute until the spices become fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas and 4 cups water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and the liquid thickens.
- Step 4: Season with 1 teaspoon salt and stir well. If desired, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm as a side or with injera.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simmered Split Peas with Turmeric and Coriander 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 Peas with Turmeric and Coriander?
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 rinsed yellow split peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simmered Split Peas with Turmeric and Coriander?
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 Peas with Turmeric and Coriander 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 Peas with Turmeric and Coriander?
Ethiopian 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.
