Split Yellow Pigeon Peas (Tuar Dal)

Yellow Split Peas (Pisum Sativum) are part of the legume family. Split peas are husked and split in half. The Yellow Split Pea is about 1/4 of an inch wide and pale yellow in color. Split Peas have a mild flavor and soft texture. The Split Pea has more of an earthy flavor than the whole dried pea, similar to the lentil in versatility and nourishment. Split Peas have a very ancient history they were domesticated before 6000 B.C. in the ancient near east. From here they spread across Asia, through China and also through the Mediterranean region. Both Greek and Roman civilizations relied on dried peas as an important ingredient in their diets. Peas began to be split during the time of ancient Egypt.