If you’re looking for a delicious, nutritious and affordable meal, look no further than yellow split peas! Not only are split peas incredibly versatile, they’re loaded with essential nutrients and can be used in a variety of dishes. In this blog post, I’m going to share with you my tips and tricks for cooking split peas like a pro!
Contents
What are Split Peas?
Split peas are a variety of pea that are grown and harvested specifically for their dry, split seeds. They are most often yellow in color, though some varieties may be green or even purple. Split peas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and zinc. They are commonly used in soups, stews, and casseroles, and even have a place in desserts.
How to Prep Split Peas
Before you can begin cooking your split peas, you need to take a few steps to prep them. First, give the split peas a good rinse under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet and check each one for any small stones or other foreign objects. Once you’ve finished prepping your split peas, you can move on to the next step.
Cooking Split Peas
When it comes to cooking split peas, the possibilities are endless. You can cook them in boiling water on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even in a pressure cooker. The cooking time will vary depending on the method you choose, but generally it takes about 30-45 minutes to cook split peas.
For stovetop cooking, add the split peas to a pot of boiling water and let them simmer for 30-45 minutes. If you’re using a slow cooker, add the split peas to a pot of cold water and set the timer for four to five hours. For pressure cooker cooking, add the split peas to a pot of boiling water and let them cook for about 10 minutes.
Adding Flavor to Your Split Peas
Once your split peas are cooked, you can add any number of delicious flavors to them. Try sautéing garlic and onions in a pan, then adding the cooked split peas and stirring until everything is combined. You can also add herbs or spices like curry powder, cumin, or even turmeric for an extra flavor boost.
Serving Split Peas
Split peas are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Try serving them as a side dish with roasted vegetables, or as a main course with a protein like chicken or fish. You can also turn them into a soup or stew, or even use them as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (1/4 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 110 |
| Total Fat | 1g |
| Sodium | 0mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 21g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 7g |
Conclusion
As you can see, split peas are an incredibly nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish or a hearty main course, split peas are sure to please. So don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with your split pea recipes!
Oh, and don’t forget the split pea soup! As the song goes, “Split pea soup, so good, so good, you better make some, make some now!”
