French Split Pea Stew

Green split peas are now one of my favorite legumes to cook and eat! I don't feel bloated after eating them, especially when I add extra cumin powder to my bowl. As cumin is known to help with digestion. And if you pay attention, you'll see that almost in all ancient cultures around the world, they used to and still add cumin to their bean-based dishes!

If this stew doesn't warm your heart, I don't know what will. Your body and taste buds will thank you after eating this nourishing and filling dish. It's full of flavors; sweet, savory, and rich! Even though it's low in fat, it's still very thick and filling. Thanks to the potatoes. 

These peas are easy to cook compared to other dry beans! Very filling and versatile. 

This is the perfect dish to make for your family or friends on a cold winter night. You can't really go wrong with it. Ohh and everyone will sleep well after having this. 

French Split Pea Stew

Ingredients

• 1 pound dry green split peas (about two cups)
• 2 pounds regular potatoes (4-5 medium potatoes) diced
• 4-5 large carrots diced
• 1 large sweet onion finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• pinch of chili pepper powder
• 1 tsp ground white pepper
• sea salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tbsp cumin powder
• 1 heaping tsp of paprika 
• a handful of chopped parsley
• 2 tbsp of soy sauce
• lemon for serving

Steps

1. Rinse and drain the peas
2. In a large pot, sauté the onions with two tablespoons of water
3. Add water as it evaporates and keep sautéing until they start to get soft, then add the garlic
4. Add the herbs except for the bay leaves and cumin
5. Sauté with a little more water until soft, then mix in the peas
6. Cover with water (or vegetable stock) and bring to a boil, add the bay leaves
7. After it boils, lower to medium heat and let it simmer covered for 45 minutes
8. After 10 minutes of cooking, add the potatoes and carrots.
9. When they peas are soft and most of the water is absorbed, turn off the heat
10. Mix in the chopped parsley, cumin, and soy sauce
11. Serve warm by itself or with some brown rice and lemon wedges on the side!