Yellow Split Pea, Kale & Potato Curry
This comforting and satiating curry warms from the inside out. Onions and chopped plum tomatoes are sauteed with lots of garlic, a fresh serrano chile, and plenty of warming spices. The spices—cumin seed, turmeric, and a pinch of garam masala—are "bloomed" with a combination of oil and heat to intensify and liven their flavors. Then, finely chopped kale is stirred in and cooked until it just begins to wilt. Next, dried yellow split peas and cubed potatoes are simmered in that rich spiced broth until tender. The dish is finished with fresh cilantro. Serve this cozy curry warm alongside heaps of basmati rice.
This comforting and satiating curry warms from the inside out. Onions and chopped plum tomatoes are sauteed with lots of garlic, a fresh serrano chile, and plenty of warming spices. The spices—cumin seed, turmeric, and a pinch of garam masala—are "bloomed" with a combination of oil and heat to intensify and liven their flavors. Then, finely chopped kale is stirred in and cooked until it just begins to wilt. Next, dried yellow split peas and cubed potatoes are simmered in that rich spiced broth until tender. The dish is finished with fresh cilantro. Serve this cozy curry warm alongside heaps of basmati rice.
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large yellow onion finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil or olive oil
- 4 medium plum tomatoes cored and finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeã±o pepper seeded and minced
- 1 tablespoon peeled and minced ginger root
- 2 teaspoons peeled and minced turmeric root
- 2 teaspoons whole cumin seed or 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/8 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 cups heaping stemmed and finely chopped curly kale
- 5 cups filtered water or low-sodium vegetable broth, plu
- 1 1/4 cups dried yellow split peas picked through and thoroughly rinsed
- 1 3/4 pounds yukon gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/2-i
- 2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped, plus more to taste
- 4 cups cooked basmati rice (optional to serve)
- Carbohydrate 32.7488379487179 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.658760064102564 g
- Fiber 12.7138391165038 g
- Protein 12.1809058974359 g
- Saturated Fat 0.103189166666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (227g)
- Sodium 736.541270833333 mg
- Sugar 20.0349988322142 g
- Trans Fat 0.157362147435897 g
- Calories 180 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat the oil in a large dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat.
- Add the onion and tomatoes, and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion begins to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, jalapeño, ginger, turmeric root, cumin seed, ground turmeric, and garam masala.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, or until the spices are fragrant, the cumin seeds begin to pop, and the onion is soft and translucent, stirring frequently.
- Then, stir in the kale and cook for another 2 minutes, or until it just begins to wilt.
- Add the filtered water, split peas, and potatoes.
- Give everything a good stir, increase the heat to medium-high, and bring to a boil for 5 minutes.
- Then, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the split peas are very tender and beginning to break down into the broth, stirring occasionally.
- Season with the sea salt.
- If desired, stir in another 1 to 1 1/2 cups filtered water to thin the curry, and season with more sea salt to taste.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh cilantro just before serving.
- Serve the curry on its own or alongside a mound of basmati rice. If desired, garnish with more cilantro, to taste.
A Cozy Evening with Yellow Split Pea, Kale, and Potato Curry
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a wholesome and delicious meal can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Yellow Split Pea, Kale, and Potato Curry is a game-changer. It's not only incredibly flavorful and satisfying, but it's also surprisingly easy to make. The best part? It's a one-pot wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time for my family. I discovered this recipe tucked away in an old cookbook my grandmother left me, and it’s quickly become a family favorite, a comforting hug in a bowl on a chilly evening.
The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a warm, cozy kitchen. The fragrant spices—cumin, turmeric, and garam masala—dance together in a symphony of flavor, perfectly complementing the earthy potatoes and the slightly sweet yellow split peas. The kale adds a welcome boost of nutrients and a satisfying texture. And the vibrant green of the cilantro brightens the entire dish, adding a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the curry. This isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It's a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life, a chance to savor something truly delicious and nourishing.
The magic of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients and the magic of slow cooking. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a rich and complex broth that’s simply irresistible. You can easily adjust the spices to your liking – a little more heat from the jalapeño, a little more zest from the ginger, or a deeper earthiness from the turmeric root. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
I often make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It reheats beautifully, and the flavors actually get even better with time. It's the perfect meal prep solution for a busy week. Serve it with a side of fluffy basmati rice, some crusty naan bread, or even just a dollop of plain yogurt. It pairs perfectly with almost anything you have on hand.
Beyond the culinary delight, this curry offers a significant nutritional boost. Split peas are an excellent source of protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and energized for hours. Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals, while the potatoes add a touch of comforting carbohydrates. It's a complete meal that nourishes your body and soul.
So, the next time you're looking for a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal that’s both simple to make and absolutely delicious, give this Yellow Split Pea, Kale, and Potato Curry a try. You won’t be disappointed. It's more than just a recipe; it's a taste of home, comfort, and culinary joy. And believe me, on a busy weeknight, that's something truly priceless.
Beyond the Recipe: A Moment of Reflection
Cooking this curry isn't just about following a set of instructions; it's about connecting with something larger than myself. It's a ritual, a meditative practice that allows me to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. The rhythmic chopping of vegetables, the fragrant steam rising from the pot, the satisfying simmer – these are the small joys that make life meaningful. This recipe, passed down from my grandmother, is more than just food; it's a legacy, a connection to my past, a reminder of the simple pleasures that truly matter.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often forget to take time for ourselves. Cooking, for me, is a form of self-care. It's a time to disconnect from the demands of the outside world and reconnect with my inner peace. And this curry, with its comforting flavors and heartwarming aroma, is the perfect recipe for finding that peace. It's a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there’s always time for a little bit of culinary magic, and the satisfaction of creating something delicious and nourishing for myself and my family.
A Culinary Journey: Adapting the Recipe
This recipe is a wonderful starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor. Substitute different vegetables, such as spinach or green beans, for the kale. Get creative and make it your own! The beauty of cooking is in the freedom to express your creativity and personalize the experience. This curry is a blank canvas, inviting you to add your personal touch and make it a dish that truly reflects your culinary style.
The most important thing is to enjoy the process. Take your time, savor the aromas, and allow yourself to be present in the moment. Cooking should be a joyful experience, a time to connect with yourself and your loved ones. And this simple, yet incredibly flavorful curry is the perfect recipe for doing just that. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the culinary magic begin! You deserve a comforting, delicious meal, and this curry is the perfect way to treat yourself and your family.
