This hearty Vegan Split Pea Soup is a comforting, wholesome dish that's perfect for those chilly days. Brimming with nutritious ingredients like split peas, carrots, and celery, this soup is absolutely packed with flavor. It's a wonderful way to enjoy a satisfying meal while sticking to a plant-based diet.
While many soup recipes rely heavily on meat for flavor, this vegan split pea soup proves that plant-based ingredients can be just as satisfying. The combination of split peas, vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a rich, hearty flavor that will leave you craving more. Plus, it's cooked in one pot, making clean-up a breeze!
If you enjoy vegan soups, I’m sure you’re going to love my vegan potato soup and vegan chestnut soup, which are perfect for fall and winter!
Read on to learn exactly how to make this delicious vegan split pea soup recipe today!
Jump to:
- What is Vegan Split Pea Soup?
- Why This Is The Best Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
- What You Need to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup
- How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup (Step by Step)
- Tips For Making the Best Vegan Split Pea Soup
- Serving Suggestions
- Recipe Variation Ideas
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Vegan Split Pea Soup
- Similar Recipes
- Recipe
What is Vegan Split Pea Soup?
Vegan split pea soup is a hearty, protein-packed dish that takes the classic comfort food to a new level. This soup recipe utilizes green or yellow split peas, a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and potatoes, and a medley of spices.
Instead of ham, which is traditionally used in split pea soup, this version is completely vegan and relies on the natural flavor of the ingredients to create a satisfying, savory soup.
This vegan split pea soup is an excellent dish to make at home, especially during those colder months when you crave something warm and comforting. It is not only delicious, but it is also packed with fiber and protein, making it a nutritious choice.
The taste is rich and full-bodied, with the vegetables, split peas, and spices creating a harmonious blend of flavors. This soup is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike with its depth of flavor and hearty consistency.
Why This Is The Best Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
Family Favorite: This soup is a crowd pleaser, loved by adults and kids alike. The creamy texture and comforting flavors make it a hit, especially when served with a side of crusty bread.
Versatile: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can add other vegetables, use yellow split peas, or even spice it up with smoked paprika or oregano. It is a versatile soup recipe that can be adjusted according to your taste.
Delicious Leftovers: This vegan split pea soup tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen and develop over time, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers.
Crowd Pleaser: This soup is not just a family favorite but a crowd pleaser too. It is the perfect blend of creamy texture and savory flavors that makes it a hit at gatherings, potlucks, or any mealtime.
What You Need to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup
All you need are some incredibly simple, pantry-staple ingredients to make this delicious vegan split pea soup recipe at home.
Here's an overview of the specific ingredients for this recipe. For the exact ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
Olive Oil: The foundation of your soup, it is used to sauté the vegetables and bring out their flavors.
Onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor that forms the backbone of the soup.
Carrots: These add a touch of sweetness and a beautiful color to your vegan split pea soup.
Celery: Adds a fresh and crisp flavor, balancing out the savory elements of the soup.
Garlic: A flavor powerhouse, garlic gives the soup a robust and aromatic punch.
Dried Thyme: This herb lends a subtle, earthy flavor that compliments the other ingredients.
Bay Leaf: Infuses the soup with a complex, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Split Peas: The star of this soup, split peas provide a hearty texture and are packed with protein and fiber. Soaking them overnight can reduce their cooking time.
Potatoes: These add a comforting, starchy texture to the soup and help to thicken it.
Vegetable Broth: This forms the liquid component of the soup, giving it body and depth of flavor. You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or water if desired.
Salt and Pepper: These seasonings are key for enhancing the flavors of the soup. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup (Step by Step)
Making this incredible vegan split pea soup recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
Making a delicious vegan split pea soup is easier than you think! For a comprehensive list of ingredients and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.
- Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until they have softened.
- Infuse with Herbs: Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and sauté for another minute until the mixture is fragrant.
- Add Peas and Potatoes: To the pot, add the rinsed and drained split peas, diced potatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the split peas and potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Blend the Soup: Once the split peas and potatoes are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender to blend until smooth. Return the blended soup to the pot. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some texture.
- Season the Soup: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the Soup: If desired, serve your vegan split pea soup with crusty bread or croutons and garnish with fresh herbs or seeds of choice. I used pumpkin seeds. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful vegan soup!
Tips For Making the Best Vegan Split Pea Soup
Soak the Split Peas: Soaking the split peas overnight can help reduce their cooking time. If you choose to soak them, rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot.
Adjust the Soup Thickness: You can adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more vegetable broth or water if desired. This gives you control over the consistency of your vegan split pea soup.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables, such as diced tomatoes, spinach, or peas. This not only enhances the flavor but also ups the nutritional content of your soup.
Incorporate Herbs and Spices: For added flavor, you can incorporate herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or rosemary. These can make your soup even more aromatic and delicious.
Add Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can stir in some plant-based milk or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This gives a silky texture to your vegan split pea soup.
Serving Suggestions
- For a hearty meal, pair this vegan split pea soup with a slice of crusty bread. The bread's crunchiness and the soup's creaminess are a match made in heaven!
- To add a pop of color and extra nutrients, garnish your soup with fresh spinach or diced tomatoes. The added vegetables not only enhance the taste but also increase the fiber content.
- Spices like smoked paprika or cumin can be used to add an extra kick to your soup. A sprinkle of these spices before serving can really elevate the flavor.
- For a creamier consistency, stir in some plant-based milk or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This not only enriches the soup's texture but also adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory flavor.
- Leftover soup makes for a fantastic next-day lunch. The flavors develop and deepen over time, making your leftovers taste even better!
- For a refreshing contrast, serve your soup with a side of lemony, fresh parsley salad. The tanginess of the lemon juice and the freshness of the parsley beautifully compliment the hearty soup.
Recipe Variation Ideas
This delicious vegan split pea soup recipe is so flavorful and easy to make you'll want to try out some of these delicious variations! Here are some great ideas:
Boost it with greens: If you're looking to increase your vegetable intake, try adding some diced tomatoes, spinach, or peas to the soup. This will not only add a pop of color but also increase the fiber content of the soup.
Try it smoky: For a deeper, more complex flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cumin. These spices will give the vegan split pea soup a lovely smoky undertone that really enhances the overall taste.
Add some heat: If you like your soups with a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. This will add a nice heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy, hearty nature of the split pea soup.
Add more garlic: If you're a fan of garlic, try adding an extra clove or two to the pot. This will give the soup a rich, aromatic garlic flavor that really enhances the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not necessary to soak the split peas overnight for this vegan split pea soup. However, if you do choose to soak them, it can help reduce their cooking time. Just remember to rinse and drain them before adding them to the pot.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this soup by adding other vegetables of your choice. Diced tomatoes, spinach, or peas would be great additions.
Sure, for added flavor, you can incorporate herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or rosemary. These will provide an extra depth of flavor to your soup.
If you prefer a creamier consistency, you can stir in some plant-based milk or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This will give your soup a rich, creamy texture.
How to Store Leftover Vegan Split Pea Soup
You can easily store any leftover vegan split pea soup you may have.
Storage. StorageFirstly, allow your soup to cool down before preparing it for storage. Once cool, transfer the soup into an airtight container.
This soup can be kept in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. The flavors of the soup tend to develop and deepen over time, so it can be even more delicious as leftovers.
Reheating. When it comes to reheating, you have a couple of options. You can warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to guarantee even heating. Alternatively, you can use a microwave.
If the soup has thickened too much during refrigeration, just add a bit of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.
Freezing. As for freezing, vegan split pea soup can be frozen for up to three months. Just be sure to leave some space at the top of your container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
Defrosting. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Similar Recipes
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Recipe
Easy Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe (Hearty and Flavorful!)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion diced
- 2 carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups dried split peas rinsed and drained
- 2 medium-sized potatoes peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
- Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the rinsed and drained split peas, diced potatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the split peas and potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Once the split peas and potatoes are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Use an immersion blender or transfer a portion of the soup to a blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the pot. This will help thicken the soup while still leaving some texture.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
- If desired, serve with crusty bread and garnish with fresh herbs or seeds of choice. I used pumpkin seeds.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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