Split Pea Porridge Recipe with Golden Onion
A thick pot of yellow split peas cooked with onion and finished with oil or butter.
The original pea-porridge post measures a cup of dried peas and three cups of water, with a sautéed onion for flavor. It does not say whether the peas are whole or split. Choose split peas here because they soften more reliably in the stated one to one-and-a-half hours; whole dried peas may take longer and benefit from soaking. Rinse the peas well, cook them gently and check the pot often near the end as they thicken. Add small amounts of hot water if needed rather than allowing the bottom to scorch. A final stir can leave some texture, or you can mash the peas for a smoother bowl. Salt after the peas turn soft and top with the cooked onion.
Recipe card
Split Pea Porridge Recipe with Golden Onion
Equipment: Heavy saucepan, spoon, colander
Ingredients
Instructions
Rinse peas
Sort and rinse dried split peas until water runs mostly clear.
Cook onion
Sauté diced onion in oil or butter until soft and golden.
Simmer peas
Add peas and measured water, bring to boil and simmer gently uncovered or partly covered 60–90 minutes, stirring.
Adjust
Add a little hot water if pot dries before peas are soft; mash if smoother texture is wanted.
Finish
Stir in most of the onion, season and top with remaining onion.
How to tell when it is ready
Peas completely soft and porridge thick but not scorched.
Tips
- Use split peas for stated timing.
- Stir more often as it thickens.
- Add hot water if needed.
- Salt once peas are soft.
Troubleshooting
- If peas remain hard, extend the simmer and add hot water.
- If bottom catches, lower heat and use a heavier pan.
Substitutions
- Use yellow or green split peas with adjusted cooking time.
- Use butter in place of olive oil if not keeping it plant-based.
Variations
- Mash fully for a smoother pea purée.
- Use butter instead of olive oil for onion.
Serving suggestions
- Top with golden onions.
- Add pickled cucumber.
- Offer with roast vegetables.
- Serve beside cooked meat.
Make ahead
Prepare ingredients ahead and keep perishable items cold until cooking or serving.
Storage
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days; loosen with water when reheating.
Food safety
Cook dried peas fully and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use whole peas?
Yes, but they may need a soak and longer cooking than this split-pea method.
How should I store split-pea porridge with golden onion?
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days; loosen with water when reheating.
Serve hot while the onion topping is crisp.
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