Delicious Split Pea Soup Recipe for Chilly Nights
Welcome to the world of vegan cooking! While it might seem restrictive to some, a plant-based diet is not only delicious and diverse but can also be incredibly healthy. Whether you’ve decided to go vegan for ethical reasons or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, there are so many tasty options out there.
Today, I want to introduce you to a savory soup that’s perfect for colder days or when you’re craving some comfort food: split pea soup. This classic soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, making it an ideal option for anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Not only is this vegetarian split pea soup recipe nutritious, but it’s also easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
So let’s get started on this culinary adventure together! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to cooking, this recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to whip up something delicious in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you searching for a hearty and healthy soup recipe that is not only satisfying but also vegetarian? Look no further than this split pea soup recipe that will make your taste buds dance and keep you feeling full for hours.
This soup is loaded with plant-based protein, as each serving contains 16 grams of fiber and nine grams of protein. It’s packed with nutrients from the carrots, onions, and split peas that will provide your body with numerous health benefits, such as weight loss and improved digestion.
But what really sets this soup apart is its versatility. You can enjoy it for lunch or dinner alone or pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread to make a complete meal. Plus, this recipe is simple to make but yields fantastic results, which makes it an excellent choice for home cooks who want to whip up a healthy broth in no time.
Whether you’re vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this vegan split pea soup will keep both your hunger and taste buds satisfied. With its delicious flavor and abundance of nutrients, it is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this healthy and easy split pea soup recipe:
Ingredients 1:
- 2 cups (400g) dried split peas, sorted and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter or vegan butter
Ingredients 2:
- 2 medium yellow onions, diced
- 2 cups finely diced celery
- 1 cup finely diced carrots
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Ingredients 3:
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) vegetable broth or water (may need more)
- 1 bay leaf
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all your ingredients ready and prepped, it’s time to start making your split pea soup.
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Firstly, heat olive oil 1 in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add chopped onion, diced celery, and carrots. Saute the mixture for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Step 2: Add Split Peas and Water/Broth
Next, add in the dried split peas and give everything a good stir to combine. Pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth, or if you don’t have broth, you can use water.
Step 3: Bring Soup to Boil and Add Bay Leaves
Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer for an hour, stirring occasionally. Don’t forget to add 2 bay leaves into the pot.
Step 4: Remove Bay Leaves and Blend Soup
After an hour, remove the bay leaves from the pot. Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until it has a smooth consistency.
Step 5: Season with Salt and Pepper
Add salt and pepper to taste (1-2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper are good starting points).
Your vegan split pea soup is now complete! Make sure to serve them hot and enjoy its comforting taste.
Substitutions and Variations
For those who want to mix things up with split pea soup, substitutions and variations are the way to go. The main ingredients that can be switched out include the vegetables, broth, and oil.
Firstly, instead of using carrots, celery could be diced finely and added as a substitute or in combination with the carrots. Alternatively, sweet potatoes or butternut squash would add a new flavour profile to the soup without compromising its health benefits.
If you prefer a richer flavoured soup, vegetable broth can be substituted for chicken broth. To make this recipe vegan, simply switch out butter for olive oil, which will also increase the health factor of this already healthy soup.
There are additional variations that can modify textures within this easy recipe. Adding extra veggies would create a chunkier texture that may require more blending or additional broth to break up chunky pieces. Additionally, to make the soup creamier consistency, blending it while hot will give it a velvety feel versus an intense and grainy texture when left unblended.
Finally, adding seasonings such as herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary or cumin can tingle taste buds so you won’t miss any meats in this vegetarian recipe.
Make this healthy soup recipe customizable to your tastes with simple modifications for an easy recipe that is always delicious.
Serving and Pairing
My vegan Split Pea Soup is the perfect comfort food on any cold day. It provides a heart-warming, filling and nutrient-dense meal that is satisfying and great for plant-based eaters.
This soup can be served in many ways. You can serve it in a bowl with a nice crusty bread or croutons for crunch, or as a side dish in place of potatoes, pasta, or rice. It also pairs well with any form of salad, sandwich or wrap. I love to add some avocado slices on top of the soup as it brings even more creaminess to the dish, but you can also try sprinkling some fresh herbs or pepper flakes for added flavor.
This vegan pea soup is so rich and hearty that it will undoubtedly impress anyone, from vegans to meat-eaters alike. It is not only satisfying but also incredibly nutritious as each serving provides 12 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber per cup without compromising on flavor.
When paired with other dishes, it adds an earthy and savory taste that complements any plate by adding depth and warmth to the experience. This Split Pea Soup recipe is perfect for a comforting evening meal in front of the fire or as a healthy lunch option for on-the-go. Whatever your preference may be, this soup makes sure that you feel comforted while sticking to your healthy lifestyle choices.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this soup ahead of time is a splendid idea because it tastes even better the next day! After you prepare it, let it cool down to room temperature before you store it in an airtight container. When stored in the refrigerator, your soup can remain fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze your soup for later consumption. Divide your soup into single-serving portions or according to what you think is enough for one meal before freezing them. That way, you will avoid thawing more than what you need, and it will make reheating faster and convenient.
The best part? This soup reheats quickly and easily, making it the perfect meal prep option. To reheat, simply place the desired amount of soup in a small saucepan on medium heat and stir regularly. If the consistency is thicker than expected after reheating, add a bit of water or vegetable broth.
This dish is so versatile that you can serve it warm or cold. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, get creative with them! As part of your meal prep, add your leftover soup as a base for vegetable chili or plant-based shepherd’s pie toppings. You can also use it as a dressing for salads or dip for sliced veggies.
Don’t let this flavorful soup go to waste; storing and reheating leftovers will guarantee that you always have something delicious at hand!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect split pea soup, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Firstly, sort through the dried split peas and remove any foreign matter or bad peas. Rinse them thoroughly, and drain well before using them in the soup recipe.
Secondly, it is essential to use fresh ingredients as much as possible, particularly vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots. Use the ones you have at home or grab some from your local grocery store.
Thirdly, when cooking split pea soup, it is best to use vegetable broth and water instead of plain water alone. This adds more flavor to the broth and makes the soup healthier due to its high fiber content.
Fourthly, be sure to cook the split pea soup until it reaches the right consistency. Cook it on medium heat with a lid covering for up to an hour if making it on a stovetop.
Fifthly, if you happen to have slow cooker or pressure cooker try them for this recipe item. Split pea soup can also be cooked in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker – just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking times and heat settings.
Lastly, let your split pea soup stand for about 15 minutes after cooking so that flavors can mingle together while hot steam inside distributes them evenly throughout. You may add salt or seasoning accordingly after this stage – be careful not to overdo it!
FAQ
As we come closer to the end of this article, let us go through some frequently asked questions regarding this split pea soup recipe. Clear up any doubts you might have regarding the ingredients, preparation, and serving of this incredible dish. Keep reading to learn more!
Is vegetarian split pea soup good for you?
Split pea soup is a highly nutritious dish which contains an impressive amount of protein and fiber in just one serving. With 27 grams of protein and 18 grams of fiber, this soup presents an excellent way to stay on track toward achieving your body’s fiber intake goals. Additionally, split peas are a rich source of iron, folate, and potassium, making them an ideal ingredient for anyone seeking a healthy and wholesome meal.
What to add to bland split pea soup?
To create a strong foundation for the soup, begin by sautéing finely chopped yellow onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. These veggies provide a natural pop of color while blending seamlessly to build depth of flavor. When it’s time to add liquids, I suggest using half chicken broth and half water. This ratio creates a balanced taste, preventing the broth from overpowering the sweet, earthy flavor of the star ingredient – the peas.
How to jazz up canned split pea soup?
Adding extra flavor and complexity to soups can be achieved by incorporating cooked and crumbled bacon, sausage, or sautéed ham. For a pescatarian twist, consider adding pan-fried shrimp to potato or corn chowder. Vegetarian proteins such as eggs and tofu are excellent options for those who prefer to avoid meat.
Is split pea soup healthy for weight loss?
Incorporating protein-rich plant-based meals into a vegetarian or vegan diet can be an effective way to support weight loss. Combining fat-burning foods, like split peas, with other sources of protein, can be particularly beneficial. Options for meals like this may include split pea soup or split pea dal.
Bottom Line
As we wrap up, it’s hard to understate the health benefits of this vegetarian split pea soup recipe. From its weight loss properties and high fiber content to its nutrient-dense ingredients, there’s no doubt that this dish is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy, plant-based meal.
But beyond just its health benefits, this soup is an excellent choice for anyone who loves simple, satisfying flavors that remind us of home cooked meals. With its comforting aroma and delicious taste, it really hits the spot on a chilly day.
And best of all – with this recipe’s easy-to-follow instructions, substitutions and variations section, and handy tips for perfect results – anyone can make a batch of this soup at home with just a few simple ingredients.
So if you’re looking to try out a new plant-based recipe that will satisfy your cravings and support your overall health, why not give this easy vegetarian split pea soup recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you!
Split Pea Soup, Vegetarian, Easy Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb split peas
- 4 (14 ounce) cans vegetable broth
- 1 cup onion, Diced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 carrots, Diced
- 1 cup water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Rinse and pick through peas to remove any unpleasant bits.
- Bring 2 cans vegetable broth to boil in large saucepan.
- Meanwhile, sauté onion in butter until just translucent, not soft.
- Add split peas and cooked onion to broth. Cook about 1 hour till peas are very tender, adding more vegetable broth as needed. You do not want too much broth.
- In a separate pan, cook carrots in water till tender. Chop into fine pieces.
- When split pea mixture is soft, purée in a blender or food processor till it is creamy and smooth.
- Return to pan and add finely chopped carrots.
- Heat through and serve. Soup should be very thick and creamy.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.