Yellow split peas are a type of legume that have been used in cooking for centuries. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origin and history of yellow split peas and how to cook with them.
Yellow Split Peas (Dal)
Yellow split peas are believed to have originated in India and have been cultivated for over 7,000 years. They were then introduced to other parts of the world, including Europe and the Middle East, where they became a popular ingredient in many traditional dishes.
In the UK, this legume is are commonly used to make Pease Pudding, a traditional side dish made with boiled split peas and served with ham.
How Yellow Split Peas Are Produced
Yellow split peas are produced by harvesting mature pea pods from pea plants. The pods are then dried and threshed to remove the outer covering, revealing the split peas inside.
Next, the split peas are sorted to remove any debris or damaged peas. And then, you wash them to remove any dirt or dust. After washing, you have to dry the dal again before packaging.
How to Cook with Dal
Because it’s very easy to cook with dal, you can use this ingredient in a wide variety of dishes. To prepare them, simply rinse the peas in cold water, remove any debris or damaged peas.
Afterwards, you soak them in water for several hours or overnight. This will help to soften the peas and reduce their cooking time.
Nutritional Value
Yellow split peas are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and essential nutrients. As a result, they are a nutritious addition to any diet.
Furthermore, they are low in fat and calories and are high in complex carbohydrates. Therefore, dal can provide you with sustained energy throughout the day. Finally, dal is also a good source of iron, potassium and B vitamins.
Favourite Recipes
Some of the most common recipes that use yellow split peas include split pea soup, Dal (a Mauritian lentil dish), and pea and ham soup. They can also be added to salads, stews, and curries, or pureed and used as a dip.
Here are some of our favourite recipes using dal.
Dal (Mauritian Yellow Split Pea Soup)
