How to Cook Split Peas + Our Best Split Pea Recipes!

And the most underrated pulse award goes to…split peas! Seriously, other than the occasional pot of soup, most people don’t experience the joy of these little green guys regularly in their lives. 

Just like all the other pulses out there (pulses include dry peas, chickpeas, lentils, and beans.), split peas are a super affordable, delicious, sustainable, protein-packed source of fiber. But unlike their more finicky cousins, chickpeas and dried beans, split peas require NO presoaking or precooking, meaning they cook up in a FLASH. Woohoo for weeknight shortcuts!

What are split peas? Are they the same as peas?

Dried split peas are the same as regular green peas that you might have as a side dish for dinner. The difference comes in how they are processed. Instead of eating them fresh, split peas are shelled, dried, and then split in half along the natural seam of the pea—this splitting process is what makes them faster to cook.

Are split peas good for you?

Split peas are packed with tons of fiber, plant-based protein, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. They are a great addition to your plate!

Are split peas the same as green lentils?

They look a lot alike, but split peas and green lentils come from two entirely different plants. In many split pea recipes, they can be used almost interchangeably, however, split peas tend to have a bit of a sweeter flavor and creamier texture. Green lentils can have an earthy flavor and a bit of a gritty texture. 

Which is healthier—lentils or split peas?

Both are packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and nutrients. They are both excellent additions to your diet! Some folks do struggle with digesting pulses, so if you find yourself having tummy discomfort after eating either, you can presoak them to see if that gives you some relief.

What do split peas taste like?

A lot like sweet green peas! They have that sweet flavor and creamy texture that makes peas a family favorite.

What’s the difference between green split peas and yellow split peas?

Not a whole lot! You can basically use them interchangeably (or even mixed) in recipes. Yellow split peas do have a bit of a more mild flavor.

Do I need to soak split peas before cooking them?

Nope, split peas cook up super quickly, even without soaking. If you tend to have digestive issues with beans and lentils, you might benefit from a split pea presoak, though. Just place the dried split peas in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let soak at room temperature over night. When it’s time to cook, drain and rinse the split peas before cooking.

How do I cook split peas?

Split peas are typically cooked in something—like a soup—but split peas can also be cooked solo for adding into salads or putting in as part of an awesome grain bowl. Here’s the method:

1. Pour the dried split peas into a bowl or tray, and pick through. looking for any debris. Then rinse the split peas well in a fine-mesh sieve.
2. Add the split peas to a pot with your preferred cooking liquid—water, vegetable broth, and bone broth are all good options.
3. 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. It should take about 20 minutes.

Can I cook them in the Instant Pot?

Sure can! The Instant Pot makes even quicker work of split peas, although the Instant Pot is quite a powerful tool and tends to make split peas go a little mushy and shapeless.

1. Pour the dried split peas into a bowl or tray, and pick through looking for any debris. Then rinse the split peas well in a fine-mesh sieve.
2. Add the split peas to the Instant Pot with your preferred cooking liquid—water, vegetable broth, and bone broth are all good options.
3. Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 7 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before venting.

Our Favorite Split Pea Recipes

Looking for interesting ways to use up a bag of split peas? We’ve got you covered, from our best split pea soup, to an unexpected split pea curry. Here are some of our fan-favorite split pea recipes.

[gdlr_core_row] [gdlr_core_column size=”1/4″]Summer Split Pea Salad[/gdlr_core_column] [gdlr_core_column size=”1/4″]Split Pea Hummus[/gdlr_core_column] [gdlr_core_column size=”1/4″]Split Pea Soup with Ham[/gdlr_core_column] [gdlr_core_column size=”1/4″]Split Pea Curry[/gdlr_core_column] [/gdlr_core_row]

And here are some of our favorite split pea recipes from around the web:

• Split Pea Tortilla Soup from Like Mother, Like Daughter adds some Tex-Mex flavor to a typical split pea soup recipe.
• Yellow Split Pea Dip from Food & Wine makes a great appetizer or snack.
• Split Pea Breakfast Patties from USA Pulses are an excellent way to add some protein to your mornings.
• Dhalpuri Roti from One Green Planet are filled with a spiced split pea filling!
• Split Pea Spinach Patties from The Spruce Eats work well as a snack, appetizer, or light lunch.

And check out these fan favorites

• How to Cook Barley for easy grain bowls, delicious soups, and great side dishes.
• Caramel Corn you can make at home, no corn syrup required.
• This Shrimp and Grits Recipe for one is quick enough to be a weeknight meal!
• Bone broth walks the line between food and medicine in a way that few foods do. Plus, it is a great replacement for cooking stock.
• Making your own salad dressings saves you money, gives you complete control over the ingredients, and is more flavorful!
• Overnight oats are our favorite meal prep breakfast, and we have over 15 flavor options for you!
• Be the star of the next potluck with these never-fail 7 layer bars.