RECIPES FOR SPLIT PEAS RECIPES

Steps:

• Prepare the dal: Soak the pigeon peas in a large bowl of warm water for about 1 hour. (They will have swelled a little.) Thoroughly rinse the soaked pigeon peas with fresh water, then tip the drained pigeon peas into a pot.
• Add tomatoes, turmeric, salt and 5 cups water, and bring to a boil over high. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until very tender, 25 to 30 minutes.
• Use an immersion blender to purée some of the dal, leaving some intact and getting some very smooth, or whisk vigorously to break up some of the soft dal. Stir in the peanuts and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the dal is very tender, about 30 minutes. Taste and adjust with salt. If the dal has become too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of water.
• Prepare the tempering: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the ghee. When hot, carefully add all of the tempering ingredients (the mustard seeds will sputter!) and swirl the pan until you can smell all the toasted spices, about 30 seconds. Pour everything over the hot dal.

Steps:

• Put the split green peas in a large pot with the baking soda and enough water to cover the peas four times over. Cover and allow to rehydrate in the fridge overnight. 
• Drain the peas in a colander and rinse with cold water to remove any lingering baking soda. 
• Return the peas to the pan and cover with cold water by 1/2-inch. Add some salt, bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. During the simmering, discard any pea foam that forms on top using a slotted spoon. The peas are done cooking once they just lose their bite, 30 to 40 minutes. Overcooking results in soup, which isn't what we're going for. 
• Remove from the heat, add the butter and stir to fully incorporate. Taste and add more salt if required. 
• Serve immediately with fish and chips, or cool and store for up to 3 days.