Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew with Turmeric and Ginger
A mild and comforting Ethiopian stew featuring tender yellow peas infused with turmeric and fresh ginger, perfect as a hearty vegetarian main or side. This african-inspired vegan (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 75 minutes pairs yellow split peas, water, turmeric powder 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
- 1 cup yellow split peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 1 medium, finely chopped yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup (for sauté) water or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp, chopped (optional) fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup yellow split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear.
- Step 2: In a large pot, combine the rinsed peas with 4 cups water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40 minutes, or until peas are tender and breaking apart.
- Step 3: While peas simmer, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 4: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 tsp turmeric powder, then pour in 1 cup water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pan and cook for 3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Once the peas are tender, add the turmeric-onion mixture from the skillet into the pot with peas. Stir well, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and simmer together for an additional 10 minutes so flavors meld.
- Step 7: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro if desired before serving warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew with Turmeric and Ginger take to make?
Total time is about 75 minutes (15 min prep + 60 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 Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew 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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew 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 Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew 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.
Is Slow-Simmered Ethiopian Yellow Pea Stew with Turmeric and Ginger vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
Related recipes
Slow-Cooked Misir Wat Lentil Stew with Berbere
Vegetarian Ethiopian Lentil Stew with Red Split Lentils
Quick Ethiopian-Inspired Spiced Lentil Stew with Injera Flatbread
Senegalese Peanut Stew with Sweet Potatoes and Spinach
Berbere-Spiced Lentil Stew with Tomato and Onions
Misir Alicha Lentil Stew with Turmeric and Mild Spices
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
