Step 1

Cover the split peas with 1 inch water and soak overnight. Drain the next day. (if you don’t get a chance to soak, simmer peas in 2 cups water in a separate pot 20 minutes while the chicken cooks).

Step 2

Season chicken with paprika, turmeric and salt.

Step 3

In a 6-quart pot, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4

Add the ginger and cook until browned, 2 minutes.

Step 5

Add the onions and cook, stirring often to prevent scorching until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in garlic, chiles, bay leaves, decrease heat to medium-low and cook, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and wipe the pot clean.

Step 7

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil over medium heat.

Step 8

Add the chicken in a single layer and brown on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 9

Return the onion mixture to the pot, add the water and bring to a boil.

Step 10

Lower to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally until the chicken is almost tender, about 25 minutes.

Step 11

Stir in the soaked yellow peas, curry powder and garam masala, cover and cook until the peas are tender, about 45 - 55 minutes, or longer if needed uncovering the post the last few minutes if too watery. If too thick, add more water. Remove from heat (if the split peas cooked separately, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking).

Step 12

Discard the ginger and bay leaves. Adjust salt to taste.

Step 13

Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.

Step 14

Skip the soaking the peas step.

Step 15

Season chicken with paprika, turmeric and salt.

Step 16

In a 6-quart Instant Pot, press saute and heat 2 teaspoons oil.

Step 17

Add the ginger and cook until browned, 2 minutes.

Step 18

Add the onions and cook, stirring often to prevent scorching until softened, 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 19

Stir in garlic, chiles, bay leaves, and cook, 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and wipe the pot clean.

Step 20

Add the remaining 1 teaspoon olive oil and add the chicken in a single layer in batches, brown on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes. Press cancel.

Step 21

Return the onion mixture to the pot, add the water, stirring the bottom of the pot to remove any browned bits. Add chicken, yellow peas, curry powder and garam masala, stir, cover and cook high pressure 20 minutes, natural release.

Step 22

Discard the ginger and bay leaves.

Step 23

Serve with cilantro and lime wedges.