Verdas
Verdas are flavorful Indian-style split pea patties with a savory, mildly spicy taste, perfect for vegetarian meals or snacks, offering protein and comforting spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak split peas overnight in enough water to cover.
- Place the soaked peas in a blender or food processor and grind to form a coarse paste.
- Add water sparingly when needed during blending.
- Pour the paste into a bowl.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, minced jalapeno, frozen green peas, salt, and red pepper (if using).
- Mix well to combine all ingredients.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, blend the split peas a bit longer, adding water gradually. You can substitute the green jalapeno with a milder pepper if you prefer less heat, or omit it entirely for a milder dish. If fresh peas are unavailable, frozen peas work perfectly in this recipe. This dish is also vegan-friendly, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes a great appetizer or side alongside rice, such as Basmati Rice Pilaf With Peas And Cashews, or with a refreshing salad. It can also be served as a filling for wraps or pita bread. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with Curried Dofu Gravy, which complements the flavors beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to loosen the mixture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Verdas contains roughly 189 calories, with 5g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use lentils instead of split peas?
While lentils can be used, they have a different cooking time and texture. If substituting, red lentils are the best choice as they cook quickly and can create a similar consistency. You may need to adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as it contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. Always check labels on any packaged items, like frozen peas, to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, consider adding more minced jalapeno or incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder. You can also serve it with a spicy chutney on the side for an extra kick. Adjust according to your personal spice tolerance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).