Chicken Stew with Green Herbs & Citrus (Morgh-e Torsh)

Combine water and split peas in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until just tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving the cooking liquid.

Meanwhile, combine 1 teaspoon each pepper and salt with turmeric in a small bowl. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with the spice mixture. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once, until browned, 10 to 12 minutes total. Transfer to a plate. Reduce heat to medium and add onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until very soft and golden, 10 to 15 minutes.

Combine cilantro, parsley, garlic and 3 tablespoons of the split peas in a food processor. Process until mostly smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.

Add spinach and mint to the skillet; cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is completely wilted, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the reserved cooking liquid and cook, scraping up any browned bits, for 1 minute. Stir in the cilantro mixture along with the remaining split peas, 1/2 teaspoon pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Nestle the chicken into the sauce and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 30 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a plate. Add orange, lemon and lime juices to the sauce. Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Add 1 cup of the sauce to the eggs and whisk until well combined. Return the egg mixture to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until very thick, 5 to 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan and cook until hot, about 5 minutes more.