Yellow Split Pea Pilaf

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice (soaked 20 - 30 minutes)
• 1/4 cup dry yellow split peas (soaked overnight)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp. cooking oil
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp. black mustard seeds (adjust to taste)
• Pinch of trumeric
• 2 curry leaves (optional)
• Red chilli flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Directions

1. Sort and soak the split peas for 4 - 6 hours or overnight then rinse and drain excess water.
   
   
2. In a saucepan, heat the oil, add the curry leaves, chilli flakes, cumin and mustard seeds and stir for a few minutes.
   
   
3. Stir in the sliced onions and cook for a few minutes.
   
   
4. Add the soaked split peas, salt and turmeric and cook for 5 - 6 minutes, while stirring continuously.
   
   
5. Stir in the soaked and drained rice, cover with water and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and cook until all the water has been absorbed and the rice and peas are done.
   
   
6. Serve as a side dish with meat, chicken or fish or as a main dish with plain yoghurt or yoghurt cucumber salad.