Hi, John. Salt was not the problem. I never put any salt in anything except bread, because the yeast organisms need it. The DH watches his blood pressure, and he eats his food unsalted. I sprinkle on a tiny bit at the table.

(He gets the salt needed for survival by eating non-home-made food for lunch and snacks.)

Apparently my big mistake was in using too low a heat. I need to give the peas a good boiling, not just simmer them.
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Will curry powder really taste good with an earthy-tasting food like these peas? I've only used c.p. with chicken.