If you’re craving a cozy, nourishing bowl of comfort, this Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe is exactly what your soul needs right now. Packed with wholesome ingredients like earthy split peas, sweet carrots, and fragrant garlic, this soup is a perfect balance of creamy texture and natural flavors that come together effortlessly. Whether it’s a chilly evening or just a day when you want something hearty yet light, this recipe will quickly become your favorite go-to for simple, satisfying nourishment with a plant-based twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to build the vibrant flavor and velvety texture of the soup. Each element plays a key role: onions and garlic bring warmth, carrots add sweetness and color, celery delivers freshness and depth, and of course, the split peas give that lovely heartiness everyone loves.
- 1 Tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil: For sautéing the veggies and adding a subtle richness to the base.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth with a beautifully mellow aroma when cooked down.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a gentle bite and delightful fragrance that makes the soup inviting.
- 1 large carrot, diced: Contributes natural sweetness and a vibrant splash of orange color.
- 2 ribs of celery, sliced: Provides a light crunch and fresh herbaceous notes.
- 2 cups of split peas: The star ingredient offering creaminess and protein-rich substance.
- 6 cups of vegetable broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries and melds all the ingredients together.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the balance and personality of every component.
How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and sliced celery. Let them cook gently, stirring every now and then, for about five to seven minutes. This softens the veggies and builds a flavorful base that’s fragrant and slightly sweet to kick off the soup’s development.
Step 2: Add Split Peas and Broth
Now it’s time to add the split peas along with the vegetable broth to your sautéed veggies. Give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pot with a lid, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and let it cook for about 45 minutes. This slow simmer is crucial as it allows the split peas to swell, soften, and infuse the broth with their hearty goodness.
Step 3: Final Cooking and Season
After the initial simmer, remove the lid and continue cooking the soup uncovered for another 15 minutes. This step helps thicken the soup and concentrate the flavors. Once the peas are fork-tender and the soup has a luscious consistency, taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Remember, seasoning at the end brings out the best in split peas without Hindering their cooking process.
How to Serve Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of flaky sea salt are simple yet perfect garnishes for this soup. If you want to add a pop of freshness, chopped parsley or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil make lovely finishing touches that brighten each spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty whole-grain bread or warm garlic naan for dipping. A crisp green salad on the side can also add a refreshing contrast to the hearty texture of the soup, making for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to impress guests or jazz up a weeknight dinner. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs with a swirl of coconut cream or vegan yogurt on top to create a stunning presentation that’s both pretty and tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.
Freezing
This Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe freezes wonderfully. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it an ideal freezer meal when you want something nutritious in a hurry.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge or gently heat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the texture smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?
Absolutely! Yellow split peas work just as well and provide a slightly sweeter and milder flavor. Cooking times and methods remain the same for both types.
Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?
Soaking split peas is optional. If soaked overnight, they will cook faster, but unsoaked split peas also cook up wonderfully with a bit more simmering time.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth. It’s a fantastic option for those avoiding gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced potatoes, tomatoes, or even chopped kale towards the end of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
What’s the best way to get a creamy texture without cream?
The split peas themselves break down and create a creamy base as they cook. For an even silkier texture, you can lightly blend a portion of the soup before adding it back to the pot.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe is a true homey classic that’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and full of nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, this soup ticks all the boxes with its comforting flavor and simple preparation. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the warm, cozy goodness in every spoonful.
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Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Plant-Based
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Split Pea Soup is a hearty and nutritious comfort food made with simple ingredients like split peas, vegetable broth, and fresh vegetables. It’s a wholesome, plant-based recipe perfect for a cozy meal, featuring tender split peas simmered to perfection alongside carrots, celery, garlic, and onion. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, this soup is ideal for anyone seeking a delicious vegan option.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 ribs of celery, sliced
Legumes & Liquids
- 2 cups of split peas
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
Other
- 1 Tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot with a lid, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable or olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
- Sauté vegetables: Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, diced carrot, and sliced celery to the pot. Cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes until the onions become translucent and the vegetables soften, which builds the soup’s flavor base.
- Add split peas and broth: Stir in 2 cups of split peas and pour in 6 cups of vegetable broth. Cover the pot with the lid and lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the soup: Let the soup cook covered for 45 minutes, allowing the split peas to soften and absorb the flavors. Then uncover and continue to simmer for an additional 15 minutes until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season generously with salt and pepper according to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting vegan meal.
Notes
- Older split peas take longer to cook; if after an hour they aren’t tender, continue simmering until softened.
- To reduce cooking time, soak split peas overnight before cooking.
- Always add salt after cooking as salted water can slow the cooking process of legumes.
