Savory Split Pea Soup Recipe – Perfect for a Chilly Night
Welcome, my fellow foodies! Do you ever feel uninspired by your typical meal routine? Let me introduce you to a dish that will revitalize your taste buds while filling your belly with the hearty goodness it deserves. This Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe is everything you need and more for a satisfying, comforting meal.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also entirely plant-based, making it perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike. But don’t worry; meat lovers won’t even miss it with the savory flavors and tender texture of split peas.
What makes this pea soup recipe so exceptional is how effortlessly it comes together in a slow cooker or crock pot. Just add your ingredients, turn on the heat, let it simmer and fill your house with mouthwatering smells while you relax. Plus, with plenty of leftovers and simple storing options, it’s an ideal leftover meal for busy weeknights.
Are you ready to take a break from the mundane and dive into a bowl of cozy comfort? Let’s get started on this Best Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My dear friend, do you crave a warm and comforting bowl of soup during these cooler months? Are you a lover of plant-based meals that are packed with flavor and nutrition? If your answer is yes, then this vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup recipe is just the one for you!
Not only is this dish incredibly delicious, it is also nourishing for the body. With just one serving, you’ll get a protein-packed meal that’s loaded with nutrients and fiber. The split peas used in this recipe are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber. They’re also rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and potassium.
This soup recipe truly hits the spot with its warming aroma and hearty texture. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to blend together perfectly, creating a savory and comforting taste that will warm you up from the inside out. The added bay leaves give this soup a unique earthy taste that complements the split peas beautifully.
And let’s not forget about how easy this recipe is to make! All you have to do is toss in all the ingredients into your slow cooker or crock pot, add some hot water or vegetable broth, set it and forget it! This recipe makes for an ideal option if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious homemade meal.
In summary, this vegan split pea soup recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a delectable and nourishing meal that’s easy to make. It’s hearty, flavorful, loaded with fiber and plant-based protein. Trust me; Once you try it, you’ll fall in love with it immediately!
Ingredient List
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 2 cups green split peas
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 3 cups water
- 1 small sweet potato, scrubbed and diced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
This vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup recipe is packed with fiber and nutrients from the vegetables and peas. Make sure you buy green split peas instead of the yellow ones as they hold their shape better. The sweet potato adds a touch of natural sweetness and the vegan broth gives it a hearty base.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients on hand, let’s get started on making this comforting Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe.
Step 1: Prepping the Vegetables
The first step is to prep all the vegetables for the soup. Rinse and sort 1 pound of dried split peas in a colander, removing any debris or stones. Then, chop 1 small yellow onion, 2 peeled and diced carrots, 3 diced celery stalks, and 2 minced garlic cloves.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine the rinsed split peas with the chopped vegetables. Pour in 3 cups of hot water or vegetable broth, along with 3 cups of green split peas.
Add in a bay leaf and two more cups of vegetable broth or water. Stir everything together until well-combined.
Step 3: Cooking the Soup
Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for five to six hours or on low for eight to ten hours. Once cooking is finished, remove and discard the bay leaf then use an immersion blender or transfer soup to a blender in batches, to blend until smooth,
Step 4: Serving & Enjoying
Serve hot People can season their bowls individually adding salt and pepper if they like.
This recipe yields approximately 8-10 servings of this delicious vegan soup. If you’re not serving everyone at once, it can be refrigerated up to five days or frozen up to three months for later consumption.
Now that you’ve made my Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe, it’s time to dig in! Savor each warm bite knowing that you’ve just created such a healthy meal for you and your loved ones while still enjoying every sip of it’s richness!.
Substitutions and Variations
My dear foodies, this slow cooker vegetarian split pea soup recipe is already so satisfying, but if you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up, here are some substitutions and variations you can try out:
– If you cannot find green split peas, feel free to use yellow split peas or a mix of both.
– I know some of you might be wondering if this soup could be made vegan. The answer is yes! Just replace the vegetable broth with hot water or any vegan broth of your choice to make it completely plant-based.
– If you prefer a creamier soup, blend some or all of it in a blender until smooth. You could also add sweet potatoes to the soup before blending for a heartier texture.
– For a ham soup version, you can add in diced ham hock or ham bone instead of using vegetable broth. It will give your soup a smoky and meaty flavor that pairs well with the earthy taste of split peas.
– Make this recipe your own by adding in other veggies like potatoes, bell peppers, or even broccoli to suit your taste buds.
Remember that cooking is an art form, and each person’s taste is unique. Make sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning according to your liking. With these substitutions and variations, you can create a different soup every time without compromising its heartiness and deliciousness.
Serving and Pairing
Serve this comforting vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup with a slice of warm crusty bread or some crackers for a wholesome feast. To elevate the flavors and add more nutrition to your meal, pair it with a side salad or steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
This hearty soup is perfect for chilly autumn evenings or when you want to indulge in something warm and nourishing. It also makes a delectable appetizer for dinner parties or potlucks. You can serve it in individual bowls or in a large pot for family-style sharing.
If you want to experiment with the taste profile, sprinkle some chili flakes or cumin powder over the soup before serving. You can also drizzle some olive oil, lime juice, or coconut cream on top for an extra creaminess and tanginess.
For a complete meal, you can pair this soup with some protein-rich dishes like grilled tofu, roasted chicken, smoked salmon or pan-seared shrimp. It also goes well with rice pilaf, quinoa salad, roasted sweet potato fries or mashed potatoes.
However you choose to serve it, this vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup will surely satisfy your appetite and warm your soul.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dear foodies, when it comes to soups like Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup, it’s always a better idea to make it ahead of time, perhaps the night before you’re intending to serve it. This helps all the flavors to mingle and become even more delicious when it’s finally time to eat.
Once cooled, you can store this soup properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it if you want to enjoy it later. When reheating, add a little bit of hot water or broth as the peas will have absorbed some of the liquid while being stored.
For serving left-over soup, I recommend adding an extra pinch of freshly ground black pepper and salt as the flavors may have mellowed during storage. You can also accompany the soup with crusty bread or crackers as simple and easy pairings.
Remember that reheating this soup on low heat is always recommended because high heat might break down the texture of the beans and change their flavor profiles.
Now that we’ve figured out how to keep our Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup tasting scrumptious after storing, you can feel free to make a big batch of this dish so that you’ll never have to worry about what’s for dinner on those busy days. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to cooking split pea soup in a slow cooker, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure the best possible result. Here are some helpful tips that I’ve learned as a vegan chef that will help achieve perfect results for this vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup recipe.
First and foremost, be sure to rinse the dried split peas thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. This helps remove any debris or impurities that may be present.
Next, it is essential to use the right amount of liquid. Too much water can dilute the flavors, while too little can result in a burnt or scorched soup. I recommend using a ratio of 3 cups of liquid (vegetable broth or water) for every 1 cup of dried split peas.
It’s also essential to add the ingredients in the correct order. Start by adding the split peas, followed by the vegetables, herbs, spices, and seasoning.
When cooking with a slow cooker, it’s important not to lift the lid too often as this lets out heat and prolongs cooking time. This can also affect the texture and consistency of the soup.
If you prefer a creamier texture to your soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend some of the cooked vegetables into the soup after it has cooked for several hours.
Finally, if you’re planning on storing leftovers, allow the soup to cool down first before transferring it into an airtight container. This helps prevent bacteria growth and spoiling. The soup can last for several days when stored correctly in the fridge and can be reheated by adding hot water or vegetable broth as needed.
By following these tips and trick, your vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup will turn out perfectly every time!
FAQ
As you delve into the world of vegetarian and vegan cooking, you may come across some questions regarding ingredients or techniques. It’s important to address these and clear up any confusion to ensure successful results in your kitchen. Here are some frequently asked questions about this vegetarian slow cooker split pea soup recipe that may fit what you’re wondering.
Do split peas need to be soaked before cooking?
While it is true that soaking peas overnight can cut down on cooking time, it is not an absolute requirement. Split peas, which cook relatively fast, can take about 1-2 hours of simmering without soaking or around 40 minutes when soaked.
Is vegetarian split pea soup good for you?
Split pea soup is a highly nutritious dish that can provide you with ample amounts of protein, fiber, folate, iron, and potassium. Consuming just one serving of this soup can give you 27 grams of protein and 18 grams of fiber, which can help you reach your daily fiber intake goal of 25 grams.
What can I substitute for ham bone in split pea soup?
Don’t worry if you don’t have any leftover ham bone for your soup recipe. You can still achieve that delightful smoky flavor by using two smoked ham hocks, each weighing around 1-½ pounds. Keep in mind that ham hocks tend to be saltier than ham bones, so it’s best to adjust the amount of salt you add to the soup accordingly.
Why Rinse split peas before cooking?
Before cooking with dry peas, it’s important to give them a good rinse under cool running water to remove any dust or dirt. One of the most popular dishes made with split peas is Split Pea Soup.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves hearty and flavorful soups. With its plant-based ingredients and slow-cooking method, it not only satisfies your taste buds but also provides plenty of nutrition and health benefits. You can customize the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or meat substitutes, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
So why not give this recipe a try and experience the best vegetarian split pea soup that you’ve ever tasted? The ease and convenience of using a slow cooker make this recipe effortless to prepare, leaving you with more time to relax and enjoy a satisfying meal with family and friends.
Remember, great food isn’t necessarily complicated or expensive. It’s about using fresh, wholesome ingredients and cooking them with care and attention. The recipe we’ve shared with you today embodies these principles to perfection. So go ahead, let our Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup be a staple in your fall menu repertoire – we promise it won’t disappoint!
Vegetarian Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces split peas
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 -1 1/2 cup white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 6 cups hot water
Instructions
- Layer ingredients in order listed above. Do not stir
- Cover and cook until peas are soft High: 4-5 hours or Low: 8-10 hours
- Remove bay leaf and garlic (if it has held together) before serving.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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.