Test Kitchen - Yellow Split Pea Dal

Yellow split peas were the Test Kitchen ingredient the last time we posted but we weren't too fearful of what to do with it. Who doesn't have dal pop up to mind when talking about yellow split peas? I thought about how my first few dal experiences went and was glad when I put this recipe together - it is much tastier than the ones I've had before but then again, I don't think I've had it at any "authentic" places. Here's my interpretation of how to make the tasty, filling dish which happens to also be vegetarian/vegan. It's also a very simple recipe so I encourage you all to try it!


Step 1: Ingredients (yields 4 servings)

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp whole coriander seed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup split yellow peas, dry
• 2 cups vegetable broth (and extra water for desired consistency)
• cilantro/coriander, for garnish

Step 2: Preparing the ingredients
In a medium saucepan with a little oil to cover the bottom on high heat, add diced yellow onion and stir. Once it starts to turn translucent, add in garlic and all spices. Continue stirring so as not to burn the vegetables. The heat will start to make all of the spices turn very fragrant. After 2-3 minutes, add in split yellow peas and stir.


Step 3: Finishing
Once the peas are thoroughly coated, add in broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes until peas have absorbed all of the liquid. They should be tender enough that they'll get mashed from your gentle stirring. If it's too dry, add water bit by bit until you get a dal to your preferred consistency. Garnish with chopped cilantro on top and enjoy by itself or over rice.


The next Test Kitchen ingredient: Taste of Kyoto's Dark Match Green Tea Chocolate
When we first tasted this chocolate, we practically fell in love with it. After discovering an unannounced sale, we opted to get ourselves a whole box of the bars and are slowly making our way through them. However, I wondered one night if we could do something with the chocolates we had. Therefore, Test Kitchen ingredient time! Let us know what you think we should make with it.

"Our Dark Matcha Chocolate combines ultra premium Japanese Matcha green tea with exceptional quality Belgium white chocolate to create a decadent treat. INGREDIENTS: Belgian White Chocolate, Organic Japanese Green Tea.  Contains: milk, soy.  Net weight: 1.5 OZ " [Taste of Kyoto]


Photography by Minerva Thai and Duc Duong.