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Home » Recipes

Yellow Split Pea Fritters

Four yellow split pea fritters stacked on a blue plate on a table.

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If you've ever wondered what to do with yellow split peas besides soup, we've got a tasty and easy recipe that you'll love. These Indian-inspired Split Pea Fritters make a delicious lunch or dinner if you're in the mood for something a little different that your taste buds will enjoy.

Table of Contents
  1. What is a Pulse?
  2. Is it Different than a Falafel?
  3. What to Serve with Yellow Split Pea Fritters
  4. Other Pulse Recipes
  5. More Fritter Recipe Ideas
  6. Yellow Split Pea Fritters

What is a Pulse?

Before we get into our yellow split pea recipe, let's discuss the origin of the main ingredient a bit. As you may recall from some of our previous posts, "pulse" is an international term for legumes such as lentils, beans, dry peas, and chickpeas. These are all nutritional powerhouses that are easy and cheap to grow, and they're also real food of course!

Pulse Awareness in the US

So, since the UN declared 2016 as the International Year of the Pulse, we've been partnering with USA Pulses and Pulse Canada to help create awareness and encourage people to incorporate more pulses into their everyday diets. This could help with many food-related issues around the world, so it's truly a win-win for everyone!

Featured Comment

This recipe is easy, quick, costs pennies to make, and produces DELICIOUS fritters. It made enough for two people to have two meals of them. So good!
- Liz Rogers

How Can Learn More About Pulses?

I also encourage you to find out more about pulses and their value worldwide by clicking here and then taking the pledge to incorporate more pulses into your diet.

Personally, this topic hits very close to home. During my trip to visit family in India last year, I saw many different forms of pulses - more than I ever realized were available - while perusing the street bazaars.

In fact, most every meal I ate there included at least one pulse. In addition, I recently learned what an economically important crop this is for farmers in my father's home country. We've said it before, and I'll say it again - you vote with your dollars, and it's important to know the facts before you buy.

Is it Different than a Falafel?

So on the topic of India, I have another Indian-themed recipe for you to try. This is kind of similar to falafel but utilizes yellow split peas, which are rich in dietary fiber and protein. I like them because they are a plant-based protein source, bite-sized, and also fairly inexpensive (and easy!) to make. Oh, and did I mention that they are pretty yummy, too? :)

What to Serve with Yellow Split Pea Fritters

I like to serve these with a chutney or yogurt sauce, or you could even throw them in a wrap, nestled in with some fresh vegetables. They could also make a unique topping for a salad. No matter how you eat them, you can't go wrong!

Other Pulse Recipes

But, rather than just telling you to eat more pulses, we thought we'd show you how to do just that with a series of easy and tasty recipes. 

  • Indian-themed Spinach Chana Dal
  • Shrimp and Lettuce Wraps
  • Breakfast Cookies made with Chickpea Flour (a family favorite)

More Fritter Recipe Ideas

  • Smoked Trout and Buttermilk Fritters
  • Carrot Fritters with Yogurt Sauce
  • Tex-Mex Corn Fritters + Black Bean Salad

Yellow Split Pea Fritters

Similar to falafel, these split pea fritters are a plant-based protein source, bite-sized, and also fairly inexpensive (and easy!) to make. Kiran, our team member, also explains what pulses are and shares other Indian-themed recipes.
9 Reviews / 4.2 Average
Prep Time: 4 hours hrs
Cook Time: 15 minutes mins
Total Time: 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Indian
Method: Freezer Friendly
Diet: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Peanut/Tree Nut-Free, Vegetarian
Print Recipe
Servings: 14 fritters
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup yellow split peas (soaked 4+ hours)
  • 1 onion (medium, chopped)
  • 2 - 3 cloves garlic (peeled and chopped)
  • 1 handful cilantro (chopped)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • avocado oil (or olive oil, for shallow frying)

Instructions
 

  • Soak yellow split peas for a minimum of 4 hours. Drain and rinse.
  • Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until combined.
  • Heat 1 - 2 teaspoons oil in a skillet. Scoop a spoonful of mixture into your hand and form into a loose ball. Add to pan and flatten with a spatula. Be careful not to overcrowd.
  • Cook until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes, flip and repeat until cooked on the other side.

Notes

Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Yellow Split Pea Fritters
Amount Per Serving
Calories 54 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 128mg6%
Potassium 158mg5%
Carbohydrates 10g3%
Fiber 4g17%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 40IU1%
Vitamin C 1.2mg1%
Calcium 13mg1%
Iron 0.8mg4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Let me know if you try this or any of our other recipes from this pulses series.

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2.5K shares

About Kiran Dodeja Smith

Kiran Dodeja Smith is the mom of 4 kids and has been a part of the 100 Days team for 6 years. When she’s not in the kitchen cooking, she can be found running (and sometimes more likely running her kids around) and posting on her own blog, EasyRealFood.com.

Comments

  1. Hyacinth says

    October 02, 2022 at 1:46 pm

    No egg or flour to Hold this?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      October 05, 2022 at 10:37 am

      Correct! Some readers have said they added egg to bind them a little better, but most have not needed to do so and just followed the recipe as is. - Nicole

      Reply
  2. Aryaun says

    September 15, 2020 at 1:19 pm

    Can I use green split peas instead of the yellow variety?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 15, 2020 at 4:18 pm

      Some of our other readers have successfully made them with green split peas. - Nicole

      Reply
      • Beverly Cobb says

        February 13, 2021 at 2:24 pm

        I will be trying this yellow split pee fritteres later this week or later today even thanks for. Posting.

  3. Vicki L Baker says

    August 29, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    5 stars
    I made quadrupled this recipe to use up a bag of yellow split peas. I didn't feel like partying them so I laid them in a pan and browned them. Almost like you would hamburger.
    VERY VERY delicious. Froze some for other dishes.

    Reply
  4. Amber says

    June 14, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    2 stars
    My kids and I didn't enjoy these. They had a bit of a *bitter* flavor (perhaps due to the uncooked beans?). I soaked for around 8 hours. Too bad, they were quick and easy.

    Reply
    • Sabrina says

      July 10, 2020 at 11:26 pm

      These turned out great, kids and I loved them. I cooked the onions before hand as I don’t like the raw onion taste in patties and fritters. Will be adding them to the regular meal plan!

      Reply
  5. Jennifer says

    May 11, 2020 at 10:30 pm

    Thank you for this recipe! I added some shredded cheddar cheese to mix before cooking them. They were delicious and I used them as a meat substitute on top of spaghetti.

    Reply
  6. Elaine Smith says

    May 03, 2020 at 8:58 pm

    Just checking; that the peas are not cooked?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      May 04, 2020 at 9:14 am

      That's correct, just soak them first. - Nicole

      Reply
    • Elaine Smith says

      May 25, 2020 at 11:15 am

      Love, love this recipe. I make it all the time now. I eat them for breakfast with a couple of fried eggs.
      I wonder if green split peas would work similarly or any other pulse or bean?

      Reply
      • Elaine Smith says

        May 25, 2020 at 11:17 am

        And They are excellent with homemade tsatziki.

      • 100 Days Admin says

        May 26, 2020 at 9:29 am

        While we have not tried that, some of our readers have successfully made them with green split peas! - Nicole

      • Gaby says

        June 01, 2020 at 10:14 pm

        1 star
        Had to add an egg and 1/4 cup of bread crumbs to bind it. Also needs very little oil to cook, wouldn’t fry these. Also had to add waaaay more spices to flavor it.

      • Clint says

        February 11, 2021 at 12:54 pm

        Lol
        I was looking over recipe abs was thinking I may need a egg along with a lil garlic/onion salt

  7. Zaenna says

    April 30, 2020 at 6:38 am

    I don't use oil, has anyone pan-fried these oven-baked them with success? Tia

    Reply
    • Kristina says

      May 17, 2020 at 3:47 pm

      I was going to ask the same thing. I don't see why you couldn't line a baking sheet and bake them instead of frying them. I'll give it a try tonight and let you know

      Reply
      • Zaenna says

        May 21, 2020 at 5:17 pm

        How did you go? Did it work? :)

    • Lani Kennedy says

      August 08, 2020 at 4:42 am

      A great use of yellow split peas. Absolutely delicious and so similar to authentic falafel. Do easy and tasty. Served with flat bread, guacamole, white bean puree and salad. And a squeeze of lime xx

      Reply
  8. Gigi says

    April 18, 2020 at 7:17 pm

    5 stars
    I love this recipe,it is easy, healthy and delicious. I added few hot peppers and served them with homemade tahini sauce.p

    Reply
  9. liz rogers says

    March 21, 2020 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    This recipe is easy, quick, costs pennies to make, and produces DELICIOUS fritters. It made enough for two people to have two meals of them. We topped them with mango chutney and unsweetened cashew yogurt that I mixed with grated cucumber, cumin and a little salt (I won't call it raita but it's inspired by that). So good! Thank you for a great recipe that I will use again and again.

    Reply
  10. Yessica says

    March 10, 2020 at 2:41 pm

    I would think you can still make them. maybe chopping things really fine as if you were doing a chopped salad and adding some sort of biding agent such as egg or some flour. Texture might be different but might still work. Good luck!

    Reply
    • Sue says

      March 28, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      I was thinking of mixing with cornmeal......and spices other than listed.... experiment a bit as we’ve never had yellow split peas. It will take a lot of convincing to get my family to try something different so I need to go with known likes.
      I’m thinking of a sort of Southern hush puppy like thing.... wish me luck!

      Reply
      • Cyndi says

        November 20, 2022 at 10:01 pm

        How did the southern recipe style or hushpuppy style work out?

  11. Yessica says

    March 10, 2020 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you so much for this recipe. I am the food coordinator at our church's food pantry. In an effort to expose our precious families to new and nutritious foods, I have started fixing things to have a sample for them when they come to get their groceries. This looks like a fantastic treat and could be the answer to end the refusal of the delicious and underestimated split pea.
    All of the ingredients are simple and can be found in our pantry. We will be using dry cilantro since it might be hard to come by for our pantry.
    Looking forward to trying these!!

    Reply
  12. Jeff says

    January 12, 2020 at 2:01 am

    Has anyone tried baking these instead of frying for a lower fat version? Curious for feedback. Thanks

    Reply
  13. Amanda says

    October 12, 2019 at 10:06 am

    What if you don't have a food processor can I still make them

    Reply
  14. Suzanne Humpleby says

    September 27, 2019 at 12:27 pm

    How many fritters per person is this recipe talking about?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 30, 2019 at 10:40 am

      I would think a few per person. But sometimes you just can't stop at that many since they are so good! - Nicole

      Reply
  15. Marianne says

    September 01, 2019 at 12:27 am

    I can't stop eating these... I only had a 1/2 of an onion so I added green onions and celery ... Delicious ! .... I plan on making tiny bite ones as an appetizer for my next family gathering

    Reply
    • Kiran Dodeja Smith says

      September 03, 2019 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      Fantastic! So glad that you enjoyed them!!

      Reply
      • Cristina says

        October 14, 2019 at 10:57 am

        Hi, can you make these with green split peas or do you think it would change the texture or taste?

    • 100 Days Admin says

      September 04, 2019 at 11:19 am

      Haha! Glad to hear you like them so much. - Nicole

      Reply
  16. Ashley Jones says

    August 09, 2019 at 4:16 pm

    I made these today. I was gifted bags of yellow split peas. I was very happy with how they turned out. I will crank up the spice a little next time

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      August 19, 2019 at 12:27 pm

      Glad to hear they turned out great for you! - Nicole

      Reply
  17. MIke says

    July 14, 2019 at 9:08 pm

    Note that these will absorb a lot of oil and thus will become significantly more calorically dense than 54 kcal per serving.

    Reply
  18. Dorothy says

    February 18, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    5 stars
    This is absolutely delicious!!! Made with dried green peas and it is my new favorite thing!!! Fabulous!!! Thank you for posting such as easy breezy vegan delight!!!

    Reply
    • Kiran Dodeja Smith says

      May 12, 2019 at 1:09 pm

      You are so welcome! I'm so glad you enjoyed them:).

      Reply
  19. Casey Snow says

    February 16, 2019 at 11:21 am

    Do these still turn out well if you make them ahead of time and freeze them?

    Reply
    • 100 Days Admin says

      February 16, 2019 at 11:50 am

      Haven't tried it, but I don't see why not. - Nicole

      Reply
  20. Sandra says

    January 27, 2019 at 9:46 pm

    Good for diabetes?

    Reply
  21. Leticia says

    December 17, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    Never had split peas before. But your recipe sounds good. I'm going to try making them and let you know. Ok, thanks

    Reply
  22. Amanda says

    June 16, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Tastes a lot like falafel. Relatively easy, too.

    Reply
    • Kiran Dodeja Smith says

      May 12, 2019 at 1:08 pm

      Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed them:).

      Reply
  23. Crystal says

    June 04, 2018 at 2:43 pm

    These are a really nice alternative to falafel that I look forward to making again. Mine were a bit dry, but I think I may have overblended them. They were flavorful and went great with a side salad and some dipping sauce.

    Reply
  24. Leigh says

    July 19, 2017 at 8:38 pm

    These are delicious! Served with yogurt garlic sauce.

    Reply
    • Kiran Smith says

      July 20, 2017 at 6:55 am

      So glad that you enjoyed them!

      Reply
  25. Nicole says

    January 19, 2017 at 12:01 am

    Would it work to substitute green split peas? I'd really like to try these and already have the green ones on hand.

    Reply
    • Kiran Dodeja Smith says

      January 19, 2017 at 8:23 am

      I honestly have not tried them with green split peas. If you give it a try, let us know how they work!

      Reply
      • Carla says

        February 28, 2020 at 10:07 pm

        I thought I would be cooking my yellow split peas somehow today but then I came across your wonderful little recipe and want to thank you for sharing it. Really like this!!! It was so easy, and perfect that I had cilantro on hand. I added a dollop of Trader Joe’s Harissa hot chili paste and fried them in half olive half peanut oil. Then I spread a few tablespoons of leftover hummus over a lavash rectangle, added 3 of the patties, a pile of arugula and a lemon tahini dressing, rolled it up, and devoured it! So good, yum
        Since it’s just me, I put half the recipe in the fridge thinking I will fry a fresh batch in a couple of days. This is a perfect food for Lent. Thank you, again :):)

    • Tamara says

      May 08, 2019 at 5:49 pm

      Kiran, thank you for this recipe. I tried them the first time with green split peas as I didn't have yellow. It was a success!! I like the fact that I don't have to cook them first and can make them into patties after a few instructions. My boys love them! making them again, tonight!

      Reply
      • Kiran Dodeja Smith says

        May 12, 2019 at 1:20 pm

        Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed them, and thank you for reporting in on the fact that the green split peas worked:).

  26. Melany Richmond says

    December 21, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    These were delicious, but they seemed to fall apart? I made them and they didn't work as thick as the photo shows. If you pick them up, they bend and mush. It was like fried re-friend beans as far as texture. Do they need a binder added into the recipe or did I do something wrong?
    The only change was I had to do a quick soak on the lentils because I decided to make them for dinner, I boiled the lentils for 1 minute and let them sit in the warm water for an hour.

    Reply
    • Kiran Smith says

      December 21, 2016 at 1:44 pm

      Hi Melany,
      I suspect that since you boiled them they were a bit mushier than mine. You can always add a TBSP or two of flour (and use gf 1:1 flour if you want them to be gf) to act as a binder. Let me know if you have better luck next time.
      Kiran

      Reply
    • Mike says

      July 14, 2019 at 8:57 pm

      I used mayo as an emulsifier when I encountered the same problem. I think an egg would work great, but I was out!

      Reply
  27. Ashley P says

    December 20, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    Hello, did you try this recipe with your waffle adventures? I've seen falafel made in a waffle maker before and I wasn't sure if this would work as is or if you would have to add a bit of flour.

    Reply
    • Amy Taylor (comment moderator) says

      December 27, 2016 at 10:31 am

      That's a good idea. Let us know if you try it! :)

      Reply
  28. 2pots2cook says

    December 20, 2016 at 2:31 am

    5 stars
    Thank you for this idea. I completely agree to Taste of France :-) Happy holidays to all !

    Reply
  29. Taste of France says

    December 19, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    I cannot tell you how much I love these kinds of recipes. I made a bunch of zucchini fritters and froze them--they were a quick lunch ready to pop in the microwave. I am going to do the same with these. We usually have some leftover (homemade) tomato sauce in the fridge, which tends to work really well. Or yogurt with some spices and cucumber if I'm feeling more ambitious.
    Thank you! I wouldn't have thought of yellow split peas, but they are so nutritious.

    Reply
  30. Rhonda @ Change In Seconds says

    December 19, 2016 at 2:01 pm

    Sounds delicious

    Reply
    • jane says

      March 07, 2017 at 4:24 pm

      Hi Rhonda. Trying the split pea fritters tonight. Are you sure you don't cook these in any way before frying them?

      Reply

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