Split peas are a delicious and satisfying superfood with a rich, nutty flavor. In addition to being loaded with health benefits for your heart, brain, and nervous system, split peas can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, ranging from soups to stews and salads. Normally when people think of spilt peas, they think of soup. But split peas offer a lot of possibilities for tasty and nutritious dishes. In fact, you might be surprised to learn that split peas can play a big role in your favorite recipes – from Asian soups, curries and stir-fries, to classic American favorites like pea salad and dips. Here are 10 delicious ways to enjoy more split peas: Related 5 Easy High Fiber Smoothies to Improve Digestion From Food Bloggers:
1. Soup
Add split peas to your soup! The simple act of adding cooked, pureed, or canned split peas can instantly transform a garden variety soup into a super-healthy meal. Just 4 ounces of cooked green split peas contain over 11 grams of fiber and 12 grams of protein, making for a nutrient-packed soup base. Pair with vegetables, spices, and favorite seasonings for an easy split pea soup recipe that can be eaten on its own or paired with other hearty dishes.
2. Salads
Add split peas to your salad! Try adding cooked split peas to a bed of fresh chopped kale or spinach in place of garbanzo beans or black beans for extra fiber, protein, and nutrients that will keep you full until your next meal! For extra flavor, use olive oil and red wine vinegar as the dressing base. For extra protein, add grilled chicken breast or seasoned ground beef or turkey to the salad mixture once cooled.
3. Casserole
Take your casserole up a notch by adding some green split peas! Baked macaroni and cheese, shepherd’s pie and tuna noodle casserole are all delicious dishes enjoyed by many. By adding split peas to the mixture, you can infuse more fiber into your meal while keeping the taste! Instant mashed potatoes mix is another great ingredient that can help thicken any casserole dish.
4. As a side
Make a simple side of green split pea soup! If you’re short on time but want to add some extra flavor to an entree or side dish, try making a simple split pea soup out of leftover dinner ingredients. Almost any combination of vegetables or meat will work in this super easy recipe! Try mixing together cooked broccoli, carrots, onions, and garlic for a savory blend, pair with seasoned ground beef or sausage for a hearty meal.
5. Hummus
Try making your own spicy split pea hummus! For guests who crave extra spice during game days or get-togethers, try stirring in some green split peas into traditional hummus to create an extra thick dip that packs more protein into every bite. This is the perfect snack for when you’re craving something salty and savory but don’t want to overdo it on the calorie count.
6. Burgers
Create your own green split pea burgers! Many burger enthusiasts enjoy adding in beans or black beans to bulk up their patties while keeping the flavor intact! By adding cooked, pureed, or canned green split peas, you can infuse more nutrients, fiber protein into your meat patties while adding flavor. Try mixing in some chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion to give your pea burgers some extra zest.
7. On the go
Green split peas are easy to make on the go! If you find yourself busy running errands or at work all day without time for a proper meal, keep some green split peas in an airtight container in your purse or car so they’ll be there when you need them most! Once boiled and pureed, split peas can easily be eaten straight from the container with a spoon if preferred. With 3 grams of protein per ounce, this trendy superfood is perfect for healthy snacking throughout the day.
8. Risotto
Try making creamy and delicious split pea soup risotto! By cooking some white or brown rice in your favorite vegetable or chicken broth, adding some grated Parmesan cheese and stirring in pureed green split peas at the end, you can create a creamy risotto dish! For extra flavor, try adding in some roasted pumpkin seeds, sauteed spinach with garlic and shallots or extra virgin olive oil!
9. Falafel
Swap garbanzo beans for green split peas when making falafel! If you’re craving that signature crunchy exterior mixed with the tender interior, split pea falafel is the perfect alternative to original hummus-based recipes! Try baking them instead of frying to cut down on excess oils and make it more diet-friendly.
10. Spice it up
Finally, get creative with your soups by adding green split peas to your favorite recipe! Whether it’s a creamy chicken noodle soup, a spicy jambalaya gumbo, or traditional minestrone, adding green split peas to any of the above will add extra nutrients and fiber without changing the taste. The possibilities are endless.
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