Difference b/w lentils & split peas?

[Netix]

I have no idea what the difference is (if any) between lentils and split peas?

And I don't suppose there is any difference between different coloured lentils or split peas is there?

I was intending on making a curry tomorrow (found a great recipe for my cauli that I needed ideas for), and I have a bag of yellow split peas, and just wanted to make sure that it doesn't matter exactly what they are, iykwim.

[Junglemum]

Hmmmm they are both legumes, but definately different. Lentils are smaller. I guess their flavours would differ slightly, but in a curry, i don't think it would matter what you used. I would just use whatever i had in my pantry too.
I do know that yellow spilt peas are more mild in flavour than green ones, but that's not really what you asked?!

[Nai]

Well red lentils take a lot less time to cook than brown or yellow lentils.

The main difference between the two is that lentils have a hard seed that must be cooked while peas are relatively soft when young. Each pulse comes in various colors and varieties, but the taste differ little from one variety to another.

[Netix]

Ange, thank you, and that was part of what I asked. I actually bought these yellow split peas for the purpose of making a curry, before it occurred to me that there may be a difference.

Nai, Okay. So if my recipe calls for red lentils to be cooked for 35 minutes (without any prior soaking, only rinsing), how long do you think I should cook the yellow split peas for?

[Nai]

They won't mush down like red lentils do. Maybe best to simmer them separately for about 30 minutes then add them to the curry. They should need 45 min or so in total. Soaking them overnight will make a big difference to the cooking time if that's an issue.

[Junglemum]

Ah so it was! Old placenta dementia at work again!

I would also check out the cooking directions on the packet of peas. Might give a bit of an indication.