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Place the yellow split peas in a medium saucepan and cover with water by 2 inches. Add the turmeric and paprika or cayenne. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to simmer briskly until the split peas are tender. Add the salt toward the end of cooking.
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While the split peas are cooking, begin the curry. Heat a large, heavy pot (I prefer enameled cast iron) over medium high heat. Add the oil and mustard seeds. Partially cover the pot, to allow steam to escape but to contain the popping mustard seeds.
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When the mustard seeds slow in their popping, add the cumin seeds and curry leaves (be careful--the leaves will splatter!). Let the spices roast, until the cumin seeds have darkened and are fragrant, about 2 minutes.
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Add the chopped onions with a pinch of salt. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they are translucent and starting to caramelize, about 10 minutes. Keep some water by your stovetop, so if the onions start to scorch or stick, you can add a splash of water and stir.
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Add the garlic, ginger, turmeric and ground dried chile peppers. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes.
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Add the ground coriander, ground cumin, and half of the green tomatoes with a pinch of salt. Stir. Cook for 2 minutes.
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Add the chopped peanuts and 1/4 cup water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the water cooks off, at least 5 minutes.
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Add another 1/4 cup water and the remaining green tomatoes with another pinch of salt. Add the muscovado brown sugar. Stir.
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Cook for 5 minutes.
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Add the cooked yellow split peas with their cooking liquid. Stir and cook for 5 minutes to blend flavors.
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When you are ready to serve, add the garam masala, lime juice*, cilantro and peanuts. Taste for salt or more lime juice. Serve with basmati rice or flatbread.
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*Note that you will need fresh lime juice each time you reheat these leftovers.