Easy Split Pea Curry

If Easy Split Pea Curry isn’t already on your weeknight rotation, consider this your friendly nudge (okay, gentle chef-y shove). This cozy, spice-kissed curry is high protein, totally oil-free, and somehow still tastes like it came from a restaurant where the lighting is flattering and nobody is asking you to find the missing sock.

It’s warm, filling, budget-friendly, and made with pantry spices you probably already have—aka the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if you’re eating it in leggings at 9:17 p.m. Been there. Chef Omar approved.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Split Pea Curry

Let me count the ways (because my heart is dramatic and my pantry is practical):

• High Protein, Oil-Free comfort food that still tastes rich and satisfying
• One pot situation = fewer dishes, more sanity
• Pantry staples + split peas = low-cost, high-reward dinner magic
• Meal-prep friendly (it reheats like a champ)
• Adjustable heat level—because not everyone wants their dinner to fight back

This is the kind of curry that hugs you back.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what’s going into your pot of deliciousness:

• 3 1/2 cups water, divided
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 tsp ground ginger
• 2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne, more or less to taste
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
• Optional: 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (highly recommended if you like warm, cozy vibes)
• 1 1/4 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and drained
• 1/4 cup canned tomato puree (more options in tips below)
• Suggested toppings (because toppings are joy)

How to Make Easy Split Pea Curry (Step-by-Step)

This recipe is simple, but it tastes like you’ve been “simmering intentions” all day.

1) Soften the onion (no oil needed!)

In a medium heavy saucepan, add:

• 1/2 cup water
• chopped onion

Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir for 4–5 minutes, until the onion softens and starts smelling like “something good is happening.”

Chef Omar tip: If the pan gets dry, just splash in a tablespoon or two of water. We’re sautéing with water like the kitchen rebels we are.

2) Bloom the spices (aka wake them up)

Add to the pot:

• ginger, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder
• cayenne, salt
• optional cinnamon
• split peas
• tomato puree

Cook and stir for 2 minutes. This step matters—it helps the spices deepen and mellow into that curry flavor you crave.

3) Simmer until tender

Pour in the remaining 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

Cook partially covered for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas are tender.

• Want softer peas? Cook 5 minutes longer.
• Too thick? Add more water, a little at a time, until it’s the consistency you love.

4) Taste and finish

Season with additional salt to taste. (Split peas soak up flavor, so a final pinch can be the difference between “good” and “wow.”)

5) Serve warm with toppings

Ladle into bowls and pile on your favorites.

Best Toppings and Serving Ideas

This Easy Split Pea Curry (High Protein, Oil-Free) is great on its own, but toppings make it feel like a whole event.

Try:

• Chopped cilantro
• A squeeze of lemon or lime
• Green onions
• Diced tomato
• Pickled onions (10/10 for brightness)
• Crushed red pepper if you like extra heat
• A dollop of unsweetened coconut yogurt (still keeps it creamy-feeling)

Serving ideas:

• Over brown rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa
• With warm naan or pita (not oil-free, but very life-giving)
• Over a baked potato (trust me—this is elite comfort food)

Cooking Tips From Chef Omar

Because I want your curry to taste fabulous even if your day is… not.

• Rinse the split peas well. It helps them cook more evenly and keeps flavors clean.
• Don’t panic if it thickens. Split peas are natural thickeners. Add water and stir—problem solved.
• Cayenne is personal. Start at 1/4 tsp, then adjust. No need to turn dinner into a spicy dare.
• Tomato puree options: If you don’t have tomato puree, you can use tomato sauce or even a few tablespoons of canned crushed tomatoes. The goal is a little tang and depth.
• Spice “too sharp”? That optional cinnamon can smooth things out like a warm sweater for your taste buds.

And if your curry looks a little “rustic,” congratulations—you made real food, not a photoshoot. It’ll still taste amazing.

A Quick Little Story From My Kitchen

This curry became a staple in my world after one of those “surprise guest” moments—friends dropped by hungry, I had no plan, and my fridge was basically just… vibes and a lonely onion.

Split peas and spices saved the day. The pot simmered, the kitchen smelled like a cozy spice market, and everyone asked for seconds like I’d been cooking all afternoon (I absolutely had not). Ever since, this has been my go-to when I want something hearty, healthy, and low-effort—but still impressive.

FAQs: Easy Split Pea Curry (High Protein, Oil-Free)

The Cozy Bowl You’ll Crave Again

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s comforting, nourishing, and doesn’t require a million ingredients or a sink full of dishes, Easy Split Pea Curry is your new best friend. It’s the kind of meal that feels wholesome and cozy—but still bold, fragrant, and exciting enough to break the “ugh, what’s for dinner” cycle.

Make it once, and I’m betting it’ll quietly become one of your go-to staples—because Easy Split Pea Curry (High Protein, Oil-Free) is proof that simple can still taste seriously powerful.

Keep the Curry Love Going: 4 Must-Click Next Reads

• If you loved the cozy, spice-forward vibes in this Easy Split Pea Curry, you’ll probably want to bookmark my Caramelized Onion Dal for extra-deep, cozy flavor next—it’s the same “warm hug in a bowl” energy, just with a different pulse.
• Craving another weeknight-friendly curry moment? Try Chickpea and Potato Curry for an easy, hearty dinner—it’s filling, family-approved, and basically made for scooping with rice.
• For a bright, veggie-packed side that pairs beautifully with curry bowls, go for Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry with Chickpeas for a fast, crunchy add-on (hello, protein + greens in one pan).
• And if you’re stocking the pantry like the organized kitchen legend you are (or aspire to be), don’t miss How to Store Dried Peas: smart, sustainable pantry tips so your split peas stay fresh and ready for your next curry craving.

Before you go: If you made this recipe, leave a quick star rating—it helps other readers so much (and it makes my chef heart do a happy dance). Tap your rating below: ★★★★★ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and drop a short review!

Easy Split Pea Curry

---

• Author: Omar
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Easy Split Pea Curry is a high-protein, oil-free comfort meal made with warm spices, tender yellow split peas, and simple pantry ingredients. It’s a one-pot, budget-friendly dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 1/2 cups water, divided

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 2 teaspoons ground ginger

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (more or less to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more to taste

• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 1/4 cups dried yellow split peas, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup canned tomato puree

Optional Toppings:
Chopped cilantro, diced red onion, lemon or lime juice, coconut yogurt, crushed red pepper, green onions.

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a medium heavy saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water and chopped onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook and stir for 4–5 minutes until softened.

2. Add ginger, coriander, turmeric, cumin, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, optional cinnamon, split peas, and tomato puree. Cook and stir for 2 minutes.

3. Stir in the remaining 3 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

4. Cook partially covered for 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until split peas are tender. Add more water as needed for desired consistency.

5. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve warm with desired toppings.

Notes

If curry becomes too thick, add water 1–2 tablespoons at a time while stirring.

For softer peas, cook an additional 5 minutes.

Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes can replace tomato puree if needed.

Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 1 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 16 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg