Greetings, culinary enthusiasts! Today, I bring you a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger pangs – vegetarian split pea soup. This classic comfort food is simple to make, yet delivers a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for cold winter evenings or anytime you crave a warm and comforting bowl of soup.

As a vegan chef, I am always on the lookout for new ways to add nutrition and flavor to my dishes, and this vegetarian split pea soup is no exception. It is packed with fiber-rich split peas, nutrient-dense vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots, and flavorful herbs like thyme and bay leaves. It is an excellent source of protein and fiber, making it a heart-healthy dish that will keep you full for hours.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment to whip up this soup – just a large pot and some basic ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Whether you are an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious and nourishing meal that won’t break the bank.

So grab your apron and let’s get cooking! In the following sections, I will provide you with all the information you need to make this vegetarian split pea soup recipe a success. From ingredients to step-by-step instructions to tips and variations, I’ve got you covered. Get ready for a bowl of warm soul-nourishing goodness – let’s do this!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Welcome to my vegetarian split pea soup recipe, where the hearty flavors of tender split peas and aromatic vegetables come together in a delectable bowl of goodness. I promise that with this recipe, you’ll fall in love with the wholesome taste and nourishing benefits of split pea soup!

Firstly, this recipe is perfect for plant-based eaters and flexitarians alike. It’s a filling and nutritious alternative to meat-based soups that are typically loaded with saturated fat and cholesterol. So, if you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, improve your health, or simply add more variety to your meals, this vegan split pea soup is a fantastic choice.

Secondly, this soup is incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and simple steps, you can have a warm and comforting meal on the table in no time. The recipe calls for ingredients that are readily available in your local grocery store or pantry, so you won’t break the bank buying exotic or expensive items.

Thirdly, this recipe is versatile! You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different spices, vegetables or even croutons. Maybe add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor; potatoes for a more chunky texture; or even experiment with different types of peppers for some heat.

Lastly, you’ll love this recipe because it also has exceptional health benefits! Did you know that one cup of dried split peas contains over 16 grams of fiber? That’s more than half your daily requirement in just one serving! Additionally, they’re also rich in protein and other essential nutrients like iron and magnesium which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

In summary, my vegan split pea soup recipe is flavorful, effortless to make, extremely adaptable to your taste buds and will enrich your overall health. Don’t miss out on this delicious old-fashioned soup classic.

Ingredient List

Before you start making your vegan split pea soup, it’s essential to have all the required ingredients handy. Here are the key components you need for this soup recipe:

Split Peas

You will need 2 cups of dried split peas, which will create a thick, smooth texture for your soup.

Vegetables

Adding vegetables is crucial in making vegan split pea soup flavorful and wholesome. So, 1 medium yellow onion, 4 carrots, and 3 stalks of celery are needed as essential ingredients in this recipe.

Olive Oil

To make your soup rich and flavorful, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to it.

Vegetable broth

Adding vegetable broth flavors and enhances the nutritional value of the item. You would require 7 cups of vegetarian or vegan vegetable broth.

Seasonings

The primary spices for this vegan split pea soup recipe are dried thyme and bay leaf with a little bit of salt and fresh ground black pepper. In addition, you can also use smoked paprika for an extra smoky flavor to your taste.

Lastly, keep freshly chopped garlic cloves and potato pieces on standby in case you want to switch up the recipe slightly.

Keep reading to know how these ingredients harmoniously come together to make a steaming bowl of warm split pea soup!

The Recipe How-To

Imagine the heartiness of a stew and the creaminess of a puree, all in one bowl. That's split pea soup. — Imagine the heartiness of a stew and the creaminess of a puree, all in one bowl. That’s split pea soup.

Now, let’s dive into how to make this delicious Vegetarian Split Pea Soup from scratch. This recipe is fairly simple and easy to follow, but the result is a comforting and satisfying soup that will surely impress your taste buds.

Ingredients:

2 cups of dried split peas, rinsed
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 stalks of celery, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
7 cups of vegetable broth (or water with vegetable bouillon)
2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:

In a large pot over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and sauté the onion until softened.
Add in the chopped carrots and celery and cook until they start to soften as well.
Add in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add in the rinsed split peas, bay leaf, and vegetable broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour or until the peas are soft.
Remove the bay leaf from the pot and use an immersion blender or a regular blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth.
Return it back to pot and mix it together.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, fresh ground black pepper, and dried thyme as needed.
Your Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is now ready! Serve it hot with some crusty bread or crackers on top.

This recipe makes about 6 servings that are packed with protein and fiber from the split peas, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in your fridge for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.

Enjoy your homemade split pea soup!

Substitutions and Variations

The vibrant green hue of the soup is just as appetizing as its comforting flavor.

As a seasoned vegan chef, I understand the importance of substituting ingredients to fit your preference or dietary needs. With this vegetarian split pea soup recipe, it’s even more important as it’s important to ensure that the flavor is not compromised.

Supposing you’re allergic to some of the ingredients or you just want to switch things up a bit, this section will provide practical substitution options to help you make the perfect pea soup.

Firstly, for those who don’t have access to dried split peas, feel free to use yellow split peas or green split peas. They can be found in most grocery stores and are widely available in online stores. You can swap the vegetable broth for water or its lesser-sodium version to make a vegan vegetable soup.

In place of fresh vegetables such as onion, celery, and carrots, you may use their frozen or canned alternatives. Although they may change the texture of the soup slightly, it would still be delicious. However, ensure that they are drained and rinsed if they’re canned.

For those who love spices and herbs you add smoked paprika, dried rosemary or bay leaves. They will add depth and warmth to your pea soup recipe without offsetting its balance. If you prefer some tartness in your soup or just want a change from salt taste add some lemon juice at serving time for an added zing.

Another variation that you can make is by adding creamy potato soup or green peas (if you like pea soup with extra texture). You can blend potatoes into a smooth creamy consistency and add them after blending the split peas and vegetables. You can also use this recipe as a base for ham bone or vegan ham soup in your instant pot or pressure cooker.

Whatever variation you opt for, remember it’s all about trying different combinations until you find one which fits your palette perfectly.

Serving and Pairing

You'll need a spoon and an appetite for this bowl of goodness. — You’ll need a spoon and an appetite for this bowl of goodness.

When it comes to serving and pairing this hearty vegetarian split pea soup, there are a wide variety of options to consider. This soup is incredibly versatile and can work well as either an appetizer or main course, depending on your meal plan.

If you’re looking to keep things light, then you may wish to serve smaller portions of the soup as a starter for a more substantial meal. This would pair well with a fresh salad or some light bread, such as a French baguette. For an added dash of flavor, consider sprinkling some fresh ground black pepper on top before serving.

On the other hand, if you want to turn this creamy soup into a filling and satisfying main course, then you need something that can stand up to it. A crusty bread or garlic toast is always an excellent option that pairs well with the smooth texture of the soup. You could also add some grains like rice or barley right into the soup for an extra dose of fiber and carbs.

Finally, for those who are looking for something more indulgent, try topping your bowl of split pea soup with crispy bacon bits or fried onions for an added crunch. You could even sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

Whether you’re trying to impress guests at your dinner party or just looking for an easy weeknight meal that will leave your family feeling warm and full, this vegetarian split pea soup recipe is always a good idea. Get creative with how you serve it and let your taste buds guide you!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Whether you're a vegetarian or not, this soup is sure to satisfy. — Whether you’re a vegetarian or not, this soup is sure to satisfy.

Now that you have cooked up a delicious pot of vegetarian split pea soup, you may be wondering about how to store it for later consumption. Fear not! Here are some tips to help you easily make-ahead, store and reheat your soup for optimal flavor and texture.

If you plan on making this soup ahead of time, allow it to cool completely before storing. Tightly cover the pot with a lid or transfer the soup to an airtight container. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

When reheating the soup, there are several methods you can use. One option is to heat it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish. Be sure to stir occasionally to promote even heating.

If you notice that your soup has thickened during storage, simply add a bit of water or vegetable broth to thin it out before reheating.

For longer-term storage, you can freeze the split pea soup. To do so, let the soup cool down completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some headspace in between the container and the lid to prevent cracking during expansion while freezing. This vegan split pea soup will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat frozen split pea soup, transfer it into a microwave-safe bowl or defrost first in your fridge overnight then reheat using stovetop or microwave method mentioned above adjusting cooking time according to thaw level.

Overall, knowing how to make-ahead store and reheat vegetarian split pea soup ensures that this nutritious dish will always be on hand for a quick and satisfying meal anytime you want without compromising quality and taste!

Tips for Perfect Results

From its warm aroma to its comforting texture, each spoonful is pure bliss.

To ensure that your vegan split pea soup recipe turns out great every time, here are some essential tips that you should consider.

Firstly, the soup tastes best when it’s allowed to sit in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together more and creates a richer flavor. If you’re making this soup for company or planning to serve it over several days, adjust by keeping a day’s batch in reserve so that it can properly settle into its rich and inviting essence before being consumed.

Secondly, keep an eye on the consistency of your soup as it cooks, especially if you’re using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Split peas tend to thicken as they cook and absorb liquids, so be ready to add more vegetable broth or water if needed. Add hot water or broth only at the beginning or near the end; any additional water added after cooking can break down and spoil the texture.

Thirdly, be careful not to oversalt your soup from the beginning. It is better to salt in small increments and constantly taste until you achieve a balanced flavor than to begin with too much salt and ruin the entire pot of soup.

Fourthly, strain out any bay leaves before serving. You don’t want anyone chomping down on them unexpectedly!

Lastly, you can use this soup recipe with other types of split peas such as yellow peas, green peas or yellow split lentils. Experimenting with various flavors like smoked paprika can elevate this classic recipe by giving it a different taste profile.

By following these simple tips and experimenting with variations according to your personal preferences, you’ll be able to create a perfect vegan split pea soup every single time!

FAQ

As with any recipe, there may be some questions that arise along the way. Here are some common queries that people have about this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe:

Is vegetarian split pea soup good for you?

Split pea soup is a highly nutritious dish that is rich in protein, fiber, folate, iron and potassium. Consuming this soup is an effortless way to meet your daily fiber intake as it contains a substantial 18 grams of fiber per serving. With 27 grams of protein in each serving of split pea soup, you can stay healthy while savoring its delicious taste.

What to add to bland split pea soup?

To develop the foundation of the soup’s taste, I rely on a mixture of vegetables consisting of yellow onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. These ingredients not only infuse the soup with flavor, but they also give it a lovely color. In terms of liquid, I prefer to use a combination of chicken broth and water rather than solely broth. This allows us to avoid overpowering the delicate essence of the peas with too strong of a broth flavor.

What is the difference between split pea soup and pea soup?

There is a recipe from 1905 for pea soup which includes split peas, salt pork, and cold roast beef. The soup is strained through a sieve to get the desired smooth texture. Additionally, split pea soup is popular in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest, and is a thinner soup with visible peas and ham pieces.

Is split pea soup good for your liver?

Split peas are a type of legume that are rich in dietary fiber, protein and essential B-vitamins. They have a low fat content and can benefit the functioning of the liver.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this vegetarian split pea soup recipe is a must-try for all those looking for a delicious and hearty soup that is both healthy and satisfying. With its flavorful combination of onions, carrots, celery, and thyme, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds while providing essential nutrients such as fiber.

Plus, with the versatility of this recipe, you can easily customize it to suit your personal preferences by adding ingredients such as smoked paprika or using a slow cooker or pressure cooker. You can even make it vegan by replacing the vegetable broth with water or plant-based broth.

So why not give this vegetarian split pea soup recipe a try? Not only is it an easy and simple recipe to follow, but the end result is a comforting and tasty soup that will leave you feeling warm, full, and satisfied. Don’t wait any longer to enjoy this delicious and nutritious meal!

Recommended Recipes Just For You

Jolo

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.

Delicious Vegan Thai Green Curry Recipe