The split pea is the dried peeled and split seed of Pisum sativum. Generally in north India this is known as matar ki daal, sometimes used as a cheaper variation for the very popular chhole on stalls offering chhole. They come in yellow and green varieties. The peas are round when harvested and dried. Once dry, the skin is removed and the natural split in the seed's cotyledon can be mechanically separated, in part to encourage faster cooking.