Slow-Simmered Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric

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

A hearty, mildly spiced stew of yellow split peas infused with turmeric and onions, perfect as a comforting Ethiopian-inspired vegetarian dish. This ethiopian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 65 minutes pairs rinsed yellow split peas, large, finely chopped red onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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: 15 min Cook: 50 min Serves 4 Ethiopian cuisine 260 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons niter kibbeh or unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until melted and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 large finely chopped red onion and sauté for 7 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tablespoon minced ginger, cooking for 2 minutes until aromatic.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder and stir to coat the onions for 1 minute.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas and 4 cups vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a boil.
  6. Step 6: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and the stew thickens.
  7. Step 7: Season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  8. Step 8: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or alongside injera for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Simmered Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (15 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 Slow-Simmered Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric?

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 Slow-Simmered Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric?

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 Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric 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 Yellow Split Pea Stew with Turmeric 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.

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