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Make authentic Yellow Split Pea Dhall with this foolproof recipe. Packed with rich traditional flavor, step-by-step photos, and cooking tips by Denisiya on EatMee Recipes.

Yellow Split Pea Dhall, in some cases spelled dahl or dhal, & also known to many South Africans as Doll or Dholl, is a staple of Indian veggie lover cooking. This simple recipe is an essential for vegetarians & vegans.
Split peas are a agricultural or culinary preparation comprising of the dried, peeled & split seeds of Pisum sativum, the pea.
The peas are round when gathered, with an external skin. The peas are dried & the dull-shaded external skin of the pea are evacuated, then part fifty-fifty by hand or by machine at the common part in the seed’s cotyledon.
Split peas are high in protein & low in fat, with one gram of fat for each 350 calories (1,500 kJ) serving. The vast majority of the calories originated from protein & complex starches. The split pea is known to be a characteristic nourishment source that contains a portion of the most elevated measures of dietary fiber, containing 26 grams of fiber for each 100 gram portion (104% DV in light of a 2,000 calories (8,400 kJ) diet).
Sift through the dried dhall to remove stones or blemished pieces. Place in a pot.

Rinse about 4 times & then fill the pot with water & soak for 10 minutes.

Thereafter, rinse & add in clean water. Place the pot on the stove to & bring dhall to a boil.

Add 1 teaspoon turmeric powder to the boiling dhall.

Add boiled water a little at a time when the water dries out. The dhall is cooked when it is soft & creamy.

Chop the onions & set aside.

Chop tomatoes & set aside.

Use another pot & heat oil on medium heat.
Drop in the onions, jeera seeds, garlic cloves, curry leaves, mustard seeds & thyme (optional). Break the dried chillies in halves & also add to the pot.

Add in a teaspoon of turmeric powder to the pot. Sauté for about 2 minutes until onions are translucent.
Drop in the tomatoes.

Simmer for about 5-8 minutes until tomatoes are cooked.
Next, drop the cooked pea dhall into the pot of braised spices & mix well.

Add in a little fresh dhania (coriander). Mix well & allow the dhall to cook with the spices about 5 minutes to infuse the flavour.

At this point, if the dhall is too thick, add in a little boiled water at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If the dhall is too weak, allow it to simmer a bit longer until it thickens up.

Add salt to taste & then add in the butter.
Garnish with fresh dhania (coriander).

Serve this Yellow Split Pea Dhall as is or with a side.

This meal can also be enjoyed with rice & pickles such as onion pickle, along with other curries like potato curry. It is also served with biryanis.

Follow along with Denisiya's step-by-step video guide for Yellow Split Pea Dhall.
Expert kitchen guidance and troubleshooting for making the best Yellow Split Pea Dhall
Absolutely! You can easily tailor the heat by increasing or reducing the chili powder and fresh chilies to suit your family’s palate without compromising the authentic flavor profile.
Yes, you can freeze Yellow Split Pea Dhall in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water, or in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Hi, I'm Denisiya! Food lover, recipe developer, and founder of EatMee Recipes. I specialize in authentic South African Durban Indian cuisine, comforting curries, and modern Instant Pot adaptations. Every recipe on this site is tested in my personal kitchen to ensure you get mouth-watering, foolproof results every time.
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