Split peas are a versatile and nutritious legume that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dips. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, and they are also relatively inexpensive.
While split peas are relatively easy to cook, there are a few things you need to know to ensure that they turn out perfectly. This guide will walk you through the steps of how to cook split peas, as well as provide some tips and tricks for getting the most out of this versatile ingredient.
What are Split Peas?
Split peas are dried peas that have been split in half. They are typically green or yellow in color, and they have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Split peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and iron, and they are also relatively low in fat.
How to Cook Split Peas
There are two main ways to cook split peas: on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Both methods are relatively simple, and they both produce delicious results.
Cooking Split Peas on the Stovetop
- Rinse the split peas in a colander to remove any debris.
- Place the split peas in a pot with 2-3 cups of water or broth.
- Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
- Season the peas with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Split Peas in a Pressure Cooker
- Rinse the split peas in a colander to remove any debris.
- Place the split peas in a pressure cooker with 2-3 cups of water or broth.
- Close the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually.
- Season the peas with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for Cooking Split Peas
- Use fresh split peas. Split peas that are older than a year may take longer to cook and may not have as good of a flavor.
- Soak the split peas before cooking. This is not necessary, but it can help to shorten the cooking time. To soak the split peas, place them in a bowl of water and let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Don’t overcook the split peas. Overcooked split peas will be mushy and will not have a good flavor.
- Season the split peas to taste. Split peas have a mild flavor, so they can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Use the split peas in a variety of dishes. Split peas are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Some popular options include soups, stews, salads, dips, and spreads.
Split Pea Recipes
Here are a few ideas for how to use split peas in your cooking:
- Split Pea Soup: This is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a cold winter day.
- Split Pea Stew: This is a hearty and flavorful stew that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Split Pea Salad: This is a light and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer picnic.
- Split Pea Dip: This is a creamy and flavorful dip that is perfect for serving with crackers or vegetables.
- Split Pea Spread: This is a hearty and flavorful spread that is perfect for spreading on toast or sandwiches.
Conclusion
Split peas are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They are easy to cook and relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for budget-minded cooks. With a little creativity, you can use split peas to create delicious and healthy meals that your whole family will enjoy.
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Discover how to cook split peas with these dependable methods that work for any recipe calling for soup, salad, or side dish. These peas are tasty, tender, and cooked to perfection.
The legume family includes a wide variety of delectable vegetables that you can cook and incorporate into your diet. My personal favorites are the Green Beans Potato and Ham Stew and my Ultimate Chili Recipe.
Split peas are field peas, usually grown for drying, and typically yellow or green in color. The name “split peas” comes from the fact that these peas are dried and split along their natural seam. You can also buy whole peas at the grocery store.
Since cooking a whole pea can take much longer, I think the purpose of splitting them is to speed up the cooking process. Although you can use these in a variety of recipes, split pea soup is the most popular.
- Peas – I used classic green split peas.
- Liquid: To cook these peas, you can use water, vegetable stock, chicken stock, or beef stock.
- Sea salt is what I like to use in all of my baking and cooking.
Rinse the peas in a colander under cold water.
Put the peas in a medium-sized pot with salt, water, and stock.
Bring the peas to a boil over high heat.
When it’s tender, simmer for 25 minutes on low heat with a lid on.
The cooked peas can be strained and added to a recipe, or they can be refrigerated and used at a later time. See reheating instructions.
Prepare Ahead: These can be prepared up to one day in advance.
How to Store: For up to five days, cover and store them in the refrigerator. You can freeze these covered for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator until soft before using.
Reheat the desired amount of cooked peas by adding them to a medium-sized sauce pot along with ¼ cup water or stock, and then cooking over low heat until they are warm. When utilizing it in a soup such as Scotch Broth, the cold split peas can be directly added to the soup and will be heated by the soup’s broth.
Chef Notes + Tips
- For split peas that are red, yellow, or brown, use the same recipe.
How to cook green split peas I Lorentix
FAQ
Why are my split peas not cooking?
How long does it take for split peas to soften?
Can you overcook split peas?
Do split peas have to be soaked before cooking?
How long does it take to cook split peas?
Add the split peas to a pot with your preferred cooking liquid—water, vegetable broth, and bone broth are all good options. Bring to a boil over high heat, stir, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the split peas are tender, but not mushy and most of the liquid is absorbed. about 20 minutes.
Are peas good for weight loss?
Green peas are relatively low in calories and packed with fiber and protein, they are a great option for weight-loss diets. Peas are known as pulses and are in the same group as beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Peas can support weight loss efforts because of their protein and fiber content and their effect on fullness. Similar to oatmeal, pulses contain soluble fiber that can slow down digestion, while eating protein leads to the release of hormones that signal fullness. There are many types of peas including green peas, snow peas, and sugar snap peas and they all belong in a healthy, vegetable-rich diet.
How long do you boil split peas?
Put the split peas in a medium-sized saucepan with 3 cups of fresh water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes. Rinse 1 cup of split peas in a sieve under running water to remove discolored peas or dirt. Soak the peas in a bowl of water for 6 to 8 hours, or overnight. Drain the water.
Can you make split peas a day ahead?
See reheating instructions. Make-Ahead: You can make these split peas up to 1 day ahead of time. How to Store: Cover and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can freeze these covered for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator until soft before using.