In The Kitchen: Trini-Style Dhal (Yellow split peas)

🌟 A creamy, savory, and comforting classic! 🌟

If you’ve ever tasted the warm, soul-satisfying goodness of dhal in Trinidad, you know it’s the perfect side to rice, roti, or even as a dish all on its own. This creamy dish made from yellow split peas is flavored with a mix of spices that create the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Let’s dive into it!

Ingredients

• 2 cups yellow split peas

• 5 cups water (for boiling)

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1-2 hot pepper (Scotch bonnet or chili, whole, optional, for that Caribbean spice!)

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 tablespoon butter (for richness)

Instructions

Cook the split peas

Rinse the yellow split peas under cold water. In a large pot, add the peas and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are soft and the water is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sauté the aromatics

In a separate pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and thyme and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes. You want that sweet, savory smell filling your kitchen!

Season it up

To the onion mixture, add the cumin, turmeric, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let the spices toast for about 1 minute. Your kitchen should be smelling absolutely divine by now!

Combine and simmer

Add the seasoned onion mix to the soft, cooked split peas. Stir it in well and allow everything to simmer together on low heat for another 15 minutes. Add water if the consistency is too thick, and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Finish with butter & pepper

Once the dhal reaches the perfect creamy consistency, stir in a tablespoon of butter for richness and a whole hot pepper (don’t burst it—just let it infuse the dish with heat). Let it simmer for 5 more minutes to let all the flavors come together.

Serve & Enjoy!

Your dhal is ready to be served with roti, rice, or even just with a piece of fried plantain. Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like!

Hope you enjoy!