Imagine a dish so comforting and nutritious that it'll make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! This incredible Nut-Free Split Pea Bake is not just another boring vegetable recipe - it's a game-changing, flavor-packed meal that transforms humble split peas into a culinary masterpiece. Perfect for health-conscious food lovers, busy home cooks, and anyone seeking a delicious, protein-rich dish that's both simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 70 mins
Cuisine: Nut Free
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or small stones. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large oven-safe casserole dish, combine the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, creating an aromatic vegetable base.
- Add the rinsed split peas to the vegetable mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
- Pour the vegetable broth over the peas and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are well-submerged.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme over the mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the casserole dish with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss.
- Place the covered dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and liquid to be fully absorbed.
- Fluff the split pea mixture with a fork and serve hot as a hearty side dish or light main course.
Tips
- Always rinse split peas thoroughly to remove any potential debris and ensure a clean, pure flavor.
- Use fresh, high-quality vegetable broth for maximum taste depth.
- Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Don't skip the resting period after baking - it helps the flavors meld and the peas absorb remaining liquid.
- For extra richness, consider adding a splash of olive oil before baking.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, you can briefly blend a portion of the baked peas before serving.
- This dish is incredibly versatile - try adding herbs like rosemary or adding a splash of white wine for complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
