Originally posted on May 22, 2017 @ 4:46 am
If you’ve ever wondered how to transform humble dried green peas into a comforting, flavorful dish, you’re in the right place! Dried green peas are a pantry staple that often get overlooked, yet they pack a powerful punch of nutrition and versatility.
Whether you want to make a hearty soup, a thick stew, or a simple side dish, cooking with dried green peas can elevate your meals with their earthy flavor and satisfying texture.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a detailed recipe for cooking dried green peas that’s easy to follow and delicious every time. Plus, you’ll discover tips to customize the dish to your liking, nutritional insights, and serving suggestions to inspire your next meal.
If you’re looking for wholesome, budget-friendly, and plant-based recipes, this one is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dried green peas recipe is not only economical but also incredibly nutritious and filling. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, dried green peas are a fantastic plant-based ingredient that supports digestive health and sustained energy.
What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily adjust the spices and add your favorite vegetables to create a dish that suits your taste buds perfectly.
It’s a great way to enjoy a warm, home-cooked meal with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Plus, cooking dried peas from scratch is very rewarding. You get to enjoy their natural, hearty flavor without any additives, and they hold up beautifully in soups, stews, and even salads.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green peas (split green peas work well too)
- 4 cups water (for soaking and cooking)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for freshness)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (for soaking peas)
- Large saucepan or pot
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Colander or sieve
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Rinse and soak the dried green peas. Place the peas in a large bowl and rinse them under cold water until the water runs clear. Cover with fresh water and soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps soften the peas and reduces cooking time.
- Drain and rinse the soaked peas. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the peas again. Set aside.
- Prepare your aromatics and spices. Finely chop the onion and tomatoes, and mince the garlic so everything is ready to go.
- Heat oil and temper spices. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sauté onions and garlic. Add the chopped onions to the pot and cook until they turn translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add the spices. Sprinkle in the turmeric, ground coriander, and red chili powder (if using). Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.
- Add tomatoes and cook down. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften and start to break down, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the soaked peas and water. Stir in the drained peas, then pour in 3 cups of fresh water. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer until peas are tender. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed to keep the peas covered and to achieve your desired consistency.
- Season and finish. Once the peas are tender and the mixture has thickened to your liking, season with salt. Stir in lemon juice if using, and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving.
Tips & Variations
Always soak your dried green peas to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
You can customize this recipe in several ways to suit your preferences:
- Add vegetables: Carrots, potatoes, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Use spices: Try adding garam masala, curry leaves, or mustard seeds for different regional flavors.
- Make it creamier: Stir in coconut milk or a splash of plant-based cream toward the end for a richer texture.
- Use a pressure cooker: Cooking the peas in a pressure cooker reduces cooking time drastically, usually about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup cooked) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198 kcal |
| Protein | 16 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 35 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 16 grams |
| Fat | 0.8 grams |
| Iron | 2.5 mg (14% DV) |
| Vitamin A | 5% DV |
Serving Suggestions
Dried green peas are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways:
- Enjoy as a warm soup with crusty bread or naan for a comforting meal.
- Use it as a thick stew served over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling lunch or dinner.
- Incorporate it into your favorite vegan wraps or sandwiches as a protein-rich filling. Check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for inspiration.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance textures and flavors.
Conclusion
Cooking with dried green peas is a wonderful way to enjoy a nutritious, budget-friendly, and satisfying meal. This recipe is straightforward yet flexible, allowing you to tailor it to your taste and dietary needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your plant-based journey, you’ll find this dish both rewarding and delicious.
By soaking and simmering dried green peas with simple spices and fresh vegetables, you create a hearty meal that nourishes the body and delights the palate. Don’t hesitate to experiment with this base recipe to explore a world of flavors and textures.
For more inspiring plant-based recipes, you might want to check out Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or try the flavorful Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
If you love quick meals, our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious are sure to inspire you.
📖 Recipe Card: Dried Green Peas Recipe
Description: A simple and hearty recipe using dried green peas for a nutritious meal. Perfect as a side dish or a base for soups and stews.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Rinse dried green peas thoroughly.
- Soak peas in water for 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté until soft.
- Add peas, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-45 minutes until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 230 kcal | Protein: 16 g | Fat: 3 g | Carbs: 40 g
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