Sprouted Split Pea and Vegetable topping

This is a great Care and Share combination if you like an Indian dahl.

You can cook everything at the same time, or cook the topping a day later.

 

Sprouted Split Pea and Vegetable topping

Ingredients:

820 ml of turmeric and ginger water
(used to cook sprouted yellow split peas for a split pea dahl: water, 1 teaspoon turmeric and 3–4 slices of fresh root ginger)
300 ml pasta water (or ordinary water – I just happen to have some pasta water left over)
75 g carrot tops (damaged leaves removed, washed and chopped)
280 g of carrots, chopped
270 g sweet potato, peeled and chopped
65 g of celery, chopped
200 g sprouted yellow split peas, cooked (see Care and Share below)

 

Chopped carrots, carrot tops and sweet potatoes         Cooked split peas, draining in sieve

Cook sprouted yellow split peas in turmeric and ginger water (see below)

Turmeric and ginger water in a jug and pasta water in a Mason jar.         bringing the fresh chopped vegetables to the boil in turmeric and ginger water

Bring slowly to the boil, reduce and simmer for 30 minutes.

Vegetables simmering in turmeric and ginger water        Adding cooked sprouted peas to the mixture

Add cooked split peas
Cover and cook for a further five minutes, then leave to cool.

This mixture freezes well.

*****

Ingredients: the benefits at a glance

Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense addition to your dog’s diet. Rich in dietary fibre, vitamins C and B6, as well as antioxidants like lutein and minerals such as manganese and potassium, they provide numerous other health benefits ranging from improved digestion to enhanced immune function and eye health.

Turmeric, traditionally used as a vitality booster, is a vibrant yellow spice with natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that support overall health in dogs. Studies have shown that its active compound, curcumin, may be beneficial for dogs with osteoarthritis, by helping to help reduce joint inflammation. It also supports cognitive function, and a healthy immune response. Turmeric is also believed to aid in digestion and has been associated with cardiovascular and cellular health benefits.

Celery, with its high levels of fibre, can help to promote a healthy gut. Minerals like potassium and magnesium are essential for maintaining muscle function and nerve transmission as well as healthy bones. Antioxidants including flavonoids and phenolic acids reduce oxidative stress and inflammation and help to bolster the immune system, promoting overall health.

Carrots are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which support overall health and the immune system, and are also a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for healthy vision. There are also rich in dietary fibre, which supports gut health, and contain key minerals that are good for bones and muscle and nerve function.

Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can support overall health in dogs. Gingerol in particular is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antioxidant and antiviral effects. Anti-inflammatories can be beneficial for dogs suffering arthritis and help improve mobility in dogs with joint conditions. Antioxidants help to combat oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Ginger has also been shown to promote blood circulation, soothe upset stomachs and help with issues such as nausea (e.g. motion sickness), bloating and gas.

Nutritional yeast is a nutrient-rich supplement with a savoury flavour. It’s that flavour that makes yeast extracts a common palatability enhancer in commercial dog food, in addition to the nutritional benefits. For example, nutritional yeast is high in B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, and B12) that support energy metabolism, cognitive function and cell health. It’s also a good source of protein, promoting muscle maintenance and repair. Minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium support muscle function, nerve health, and the immune system. And last but by no means least, antioxidants like glutathione help reduce oxidative stress and promote overall wellness.

 

 

THE TASTING:

                           

APPROVED!

 


 

Care and share idea:

Sprouted split pea and mushroom dahl

Put sprouted yellow split peas in pan, cover with water, add two or three slices of fresh root ginger and a teaspoon of turmeric. Bring slowly to the boil, then turn down and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. Drain, remove ginger, retain turmeric water for topping (above).

Ingredients:

210 g sprouted yellow split peas, cooked in turmeric and ginger water as described above
2 tablespoons of oil
2 teaspoons of black mustard seeds
1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
1 teaspoon black garlic paste
250 g mushrooms, sliced
1/2 tsp curry mixed herbs
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
200 g chopped tomatoes (organic)
1/4 tsp salt
garam masala to taste
200 ml pasta water or ordinary water

Heat oil in pan and when hot, add black mustard seeds and cumin seeds. As soon as they begin to pop add the black garlic paste. Stirfry. add 250 g of mushrooms stir two minutes. add half a teaspoon of red curry mix herbs, quarter teaspoon of turmeric and quarter a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add 200 mL pasta water or ordinary water.

Bring to the boil, add
210 g split peas and 200 g chopped organic tomato, + quarter teaspoon salt. Cover, turn down heat to low and simmer for five minutes.
Then remove lid and turn up the heat slightly, stir until you have a thicker sauce. Sprinkle in half a teaspoon garam masala. Taste for salt and adjust if required.*

 

 

 


Important Considerations:

  • Always consult your veterinarian before making any significant dietary changes, particularly where there are pre-existing health conditions or dietary restrictions.
  • As some commercial foods contain grain as an ingredient, check the label to see whether it’s in your dog’s food before giving more. Excessive intake of any foods can have adverse effects.
  • Ensure (where possible) that you use high-quality, organic products specifically formulated for pets (or better still, human grade ingredients) to avoid any potential adverse effects.
  • Introduce new foods gradually to avoid adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset or diarrhoea.
  • I provide nutritional information purely as a helpful guide. Nutritional information on ingredients is obtained from the US Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central site (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/index.html) and any nutritional information provided in recipes is based on an online calculator: calories and other information will vary based on brands, ingredients and other factors.
  • Check nutrient levels and recommendations for your dog’s weight, age and activity. For example this nutritional guideline produced by FEDIAF.