Introduction & Inspiration
This Vegan Split Pea Soup recipe is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or any time you’re craving a nourishing and satisfying meal. I’ve always loved split pea soup – its thick, creamy texture, its earthy flavor, and its ability to warm you from the inside out make it a true comfort food classic.
My inspiration for this vegan version came from a desire to create a soup that captured all the deliciousness of traditional split pea soup, but without any animal products (like the ham hock that is often used). I wanted a recipe that would be both easy to make and packed with flavor, using readily available ingredients.
I envisioned a pot of simmering soup, filled with tender split peas, a medley of vegetables, and aromatic spices, creating a rich and flavorful broth. It’s a dish that’s both simple and elegant, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.
This recipe is the result of that vision, a simple yet flavorful Vegan Split Pea Soup that’s sure to become a new favorite. It’s a regular in my soup rotation, especially during the colder months.
Nostalgic Appeal (with a Vegan Twist)
Split pea soup, often made with ham or a ham hock, is a classic comfort food dish that evokes feelings of home-cooked meals, family gatherings, and hearty, satisfying fare. It’s a soup that’s been enjoyed for generations.
This recipe takes that classic concept and gives it a vegan twist. Instead of relying on meat for flavor, we’re using a combination of vegetables, spices, and smoked paprika to create a rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying soup that’s entirely plant-based.
The combination of split peas, vegetables, and aromatic spices is a timeless one, offering a familiar yet exciting culinary experience.
This Vegan Split Pea Soup provides a plant-based alternative to a beloved classic, making it accessible to everyone while retaining all the comforting flavors of the original.
Homemade Focus
This recipe is all about embracing the joy of homemade cooking. While it uses a few pantry staples like dried split peas and vegetable broth, the emphasis is on creating a flavorful and nourishing soup from scratch, using fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
The process of sautéing the vegetables, simmering the soup, and allowing the flavors to meld is a hands-on experience that connects you to the food.
Making your own split pea soup allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring freshness and avoiding any unwanted additives. You can adjust the seasonings and vegetables to your liking.
This recipe is a reminder that even relatively simple homemade soups can be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s about taking a few wholesome ingredients and transforming them into something truly delicious.
Flavor Goal
The primary objective of this recipe is to create a Vegan Split Pea Soup that’s rich, hearty, and flavorful, with a thick, creamy texture, a smoky undertone, and a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes.
The dried split peas are the heart of the soup, providing a creamy texture and an earthy flavor when cooked.
The onion, carrots, celery, and garlic create a foundation of savory flavor (the classic soffritto or mirepoix).
The potato adds body and helps to thicken the soup.
The vegetable broth provides a flavorful base for the soup.
The smoked paprika adds a crucial smoky note that mimics the flavor traditionally imparted by ham or a ham hock in classic split pea soup.
The thyme adds a subtle herbal note that complements the other flavors.
Ultimately, I wanted a soup that was both comforting and flavorful, a vegan version of split pea soup that would be just as satisfying as the traditional recipe.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that make this Vegan Split Pea Soup so delicious:
- Dried Split Peas (Rinsed): These are the star of the show, providing the soup’s thick, creamy texture and earthy flavor. Split peas are a type of legume that’s naturally split in half, which allows them to cook faster than whole peas. They’re also a good source of protein and fiber. Green split peas are the most common, but you can also use yellow split peas.
- Onion (Diced): Onion provides a foundation of savory flavor, forming the base of the aromatic soffritto.
- Carrots (Diced): Carrots add sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.
- Celery Stalks (Diced): Celery contributes a subtle, savory flavor and a bit of texture to the soup.
- Garlic Cloves (Minced): Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic note that enhances the other flavors in the soup.
- Potato (peeled and diced): Potato is added for a creamier and ticker soup.
- Vegetable Broth (or Water): This provides the liquid base for the soup, adding depth of flavor. You can use homemade or store-bought vegetable broth. Water can be used in a pinch, but vegetable broth will provide a richer flavor.
- Bay Leaf: This adds a subtle, herbal note to the soup. Be sure to remove it before serving.
- Dried Thyme: Thyme complements the other flavors in the soup, adding a warm, earthy note.
- Smoked Paprika: This is the key ingredient for achieving that smoky flavor that’s traditionally associated with split pea soup (from the ham). Smoked paprika adds a depth of flavor and a beautiful red color to the soup.
- Olive Oil: This is used to sauté the vegetables, adding richness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: These essential seasonings enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best taste.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish
Essential Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools for this recipe:
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: This is for cooking the soup. A heavy-bottomed pot is ideal for even heat distribution and preventing scorching.
- Cutting Board and Knife: These are for chopping the vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential
List of Ingredients with Measurements
Here’s a precise list of the ingredients, along with their exact measurements:
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this comforting and flavorful Vegan Split Pea Soup!
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Parsley)
Stir in the rinsed split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed – you might want to add more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Serve the Vegan Split Pea Soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Troubleshooting
Here are a couple of potential issues and their solutions:
Problem: Split peas are not tender after simmering.
Solution: Continue simmering the soup for a longer period, adding more broth or water if needed, until the split peas are tender. Cooking time can vary depending on the age and type of split peas.
Problem: Soup is too thin.
Solution: Continue to simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also use an immersion blender to partially blend a portion of the soup, creating a thicker, creamier texture. Or, mash some with a fork.
Problem: Soup is too thick.
Solution: Add more vegetable broth or water, a little at a time, until the soup reaches your desired consistency.
Tips and Variations
Here are some extra tips and variations to customize your Vegan Split Pea Soup:
Tip: For an even richer flavor, use a high-quality vegetable broth.
Variation: Add other vegetables to the soup, such as diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
Variation: Add some heat to the soup by including a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Tip: For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup before serving.
Variation: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to each bowl before serving for extra brightness.
Variation: Top the soup with croutons, roasted chickpeas, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Variation: Add other spices, such as cumin, coriander, or turmeric, for a different flavor profile.
Variation: Add a dollop of vegan sour cream for serving.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This Vegan Split Pea Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own. Here are some serving ideas:
- As a Main Course: Serve it hot, in bowls, with crusty bread for dipping.
- As a Starter: Serve smaller portions as a first course before a main meal.
- For Lunch or Dinner: It’s perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal any time of day.
- For Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into containers for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Bread: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or cornbread are all excellent choices for dipping into the soup.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the soup nicely.
- Sandwich: Pair with a sandwich.
- Beverages: This soup pairs well with water, iced tea, or a light-bodied beer.
Nutritional Information
This Vegan Split Pea Soup is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Here’s a general overview of its nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: Split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
- High in Fiber: The split peas and vegetables provide a good amount of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The various vegetables in the soup provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, folate, and iron.
- Low in Fat: This recipe is naturally low in fat, especially saturated fat.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: This soup is naturally vegan and gluten-free (as long as you ensure your vegetable broth and spices are certified gluten-free).
The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the serving size. A rough estimate per serving (assuming the recipe makes about 6 servings) is:
- Calories: 200-300
- Fat: 5-8g
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 8-12g
Vegan Split Pea Soup
Description
This Vegan Split Pea Soup recipe is a hearty, comforting, and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or any time you’re craving a nourishing and satisfying meal
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 6 cups vegetable broth or water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Let’s make this comforting and flavorful Vegan Split Pea Soup!
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
Sauté the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re softened, stirring occasionally.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients (Except Parsley)
Stir in the rinsed split peas, diced potato, bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Step 4: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45-50 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf
Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasonings as needed – you might want to add more smoked paprika for a smokier flavor.
Serve the Vegan Split Pea Soup hot, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley
Recipe Summary and Q&A
Recipe Summary:
We made a hearty and flavorful Vegan Split Pea Soup by sautéing onions, carrots, celery, and garlic, adding split peas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, bringing it to a boil, simmering until the peas were tender, and serving hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley.
Q&A:
- Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
- A: Yes! Split pea soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Q: Can I freeze this soup?
- A: Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Q: Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?
- A: Yes, you can use either green or yellow split peas for this recipe. They have slightly different flavors, but both work well in soup.
- Q: Can I add other spices or seasonings?
- A: Of Course!
- Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
- A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker or Instant Pot. You’ll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly. Search for specific vegan split pea soup recipes for those appliances.