This vegan yellow split pea breakfast bowl was cooked up with chilly November weather in mind, but it seems that the weather (at least in Chicago) has taken a turn for warm and sunny side. No complaints here; I'll gladly take a few unexpected 70-degree, sunshiny days. Come on over, sunshine.
This breakfast bowl is...
Warm.
Savory.
Protein-packed --Â 17 grams per serving, to be exact.
Filling.
Simple.
Cozy.
Although the warmth of this bowl might not be needed at this exact moment, it will certainly come in handy in a week or two when the permafrost tosses its icy 4- to 6-month blanket over the city. It's perfect for an easy-going weekend brunch and can also be prepared ahead of time and reheated for a grab-n-go breakfast.
The yellow split peas require 45-50 minutes of simmer time, so I'd avoid trying to whip it up before heading off to work unless you have buckets of extra time on your hands; however, other than the simmer time, it comes together with just 10 minutes of prep time.
To make it, you'll start by cooking sliced scallions and garlic in a bit of coconut oil. Once the scallions are garlic are tender, you'll stir in the yellow split peas and water//vegetable broth and simmer until the split peas are tender and mushy. Mushy in the best of ways, I promise.
Side note: I've noticed that different brands of yellow split peas vary quite drastically in cooking time, from 35 minutes (i.e., bulk yellow split peas at Whole Foods) to 50+ minutes, so be sure to keep an eye on yours rather than relying solely on a timer to determine doneness. The brand I had this particular time around was a bit on the slow side and ended up requiring closer to 55 minutes. Slow poke peas, for sure. But in the end, the deliciousness was all the same.
Once the split peas are extra tender, you'll stir in sea salt and black pepper, to taste, before dividing between two bowls. Then, top with avocado, grape tomatoes, scallions, etc. No need to strictly stick to these toppings either, I'm already dreaming up my next round of toppings -- sprouts, cashew sour cream, and more.
If you prepare it ahead of time and reheat during the week, you'll want to whisk in a splash of water, veggie broth, or plant-based milk to loosen the split peas. Other than that, just reheat, top, and go.
Yellow Split Pea Breakfast Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon virgin coconut oil
- 4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¾ cup yellow split peas, thoroughly rinsed
- 3 cups filtered water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings
- 1 small ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, and sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 3 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a dutch oven over medium heat. Add the scallions and garlic and saute for 2 minutes or until softened. Add the yellow split peas and vegetable broth, increase heat to medium-high, and bring to a rapid simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 50 minutes or until the split peas are very tender and mushy and most of the water has been absorbed, stirring occasionally. You may need to add in another ½ to 1 cup water if the peas absorb the water before becoming tender and mushy. The finished split peas should resemble a creamy porridge. If you're having trouble getting the peas to break down, remove the lid, add in another cup or so of water, increase the heat to medium, and stir the mixture constantly until the peas break down and the water is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt and black pepper. Divide between two bowls and add toppings.
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Really looking forward to trying this, but I've got one question -- the instructions mention plant-based milk, but I don't see that in the ingredients list. Is the milk just an alternative to the water/veggie broth?
I'm happy for you that you're getting a little extra warmth before the cold sets in but I'm also glad you're sharing this ultra cozy breakfast recipe cause it sounds delicious!
It's hard to get me excited about a savory breakfast, but I think you just did ;)
Where do you come up with these ideas! This is perfect for me...although I love oatmeal I try to avoid it since I need sweetener to really enjoy it. Warm and savory will help fill that void. Thank you!
Ashley, I adore savory breakfasts, and this is just my kind of recipe: nourishing, simple, hearty. I can't wait to try it!
Thanks so much, Gena! I share the same sentiments about savory breakfasts; they really are wonderful!
Really sad that you didnt reply to the first comment on this thread:( there is really important what should we use plant based milk or veggie stock?! It's a big difference. Wanna cook this porridge today, but have to skip this recipe and this blog because of such A ridiculous mistake in recipe description
Hi, Ally. I'm sorry for the confusion, and I'm very sorry that I somehow missed replying to the first comment in the thread. I'm certainly not perfect, and I shared this recipe post at a time when I was incredibly overwhelmed and burnt out (working full-time as a psychologist and finishing the manuscript for my cookbook). Not an excuse but it was a very challenging, exhausting time and one in which I'll admit that I wasn't as attentive to comments as I should have been given how much care, effort, and thought I put into the recipes I share here. To clarify, it should be vegetable broth as noted in the ingredients (just edited the instructions to correct the typo), but plant-based milk does work, too.
I love savoury breakfasts - but I very rarely make them. I'm going to have to make this and top it with a load of avocado!