Dishes in southern India frequently include the use of coconut. You can enjoy this soup recipe on its own or serve it as a South Indian “sambar” or “kootu” over rice. Recipe from Coconut Oil for Health and Beauty ^[1] by Cynthia and Laura Holzapfel (Book Publishing Co.), reprinted by permission.

Serves: 4

• 1 cup yellow split peas
• 4 cups water
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh garlic
• ½ cup grated coconut

Simmer the split peas in the water until soft and breaking apart, about 45 minutes.

Heat the coconut oil in a separate medium sauté pan, and add the turmeric, ginger, and cumin seeds, stirring until the seeds just begin to pop. Turn the heat down to low and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until lightly brown. Toss in the grated coconut and combine.

Add the sautéed mixture to the split peas, bring to a simmer, and serve.

• Explore other recipes for hearty winter soups. ^[2]
• Here are more recipes using healthy lentils and peas. ^[3]