Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Introduction

This hearty vegan split pea soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season. With tender vegetables and smoky flavors, it’s simple to make and wonderfully satisfying. Ideal for a cozy lunch or dinner, this soup warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 pound dry green split peas
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add the potatoes, split peas, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, vegetable broth, and liquid smoke if using. Stir everything together well.
3. Step 3: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the split peas break down and the soup thickens.
4. Step 4: For a creamier texture, blend a few times with an immersion blender directly in the pot. Taste the soup and season with salt as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, sauté a diced smoked sausage substitute or add liquid smoke as suggested.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
• Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter note.
• If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer part of the soup to a regular blender to puree, then return it to the pot.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?

Yes, yellow split peas can be used as a substitute with similar cooking times and results. The flavor is slightly sweeter but still delicious.

Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?

No soaking is necessary for split peas. They cook relatively quickly and soften well during the simmering process.

Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 66 reviews

This hearty Vegan Split Pea Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal perfect for any season. Packed with green split peas, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, it offers a smoky and satisfying flavor that comes together with simple stovetop cooking. This easy-to-make, plant-based soup is ideal for those seeking a delicious gluten-free and vegan-friendly option.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Vegan, American
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Aromatics

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

Legumes and Spices

• 1 pound dry green split peas
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Liquids and Seasonings

• 8 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the base vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, diced celery, and diced carrots. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
2. Add remaining ingredients: Incorporate the diced potatoes, green split peas, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, vegetable broth, and liquid smoke if using for extra smoky flavor. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly in the pot.
3. Cook the soup: Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer gently for about 45 minutes. During this time, the split peas will break down and the soup will thicken to a creamy consistency.
4. Blend for creaminess: For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the soup a few times until the desired creaminess is achieved. Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve hot immediately and enjoy a warming bowl of vegan split pea soup.

Notes

• For a thicker soup, simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes after blending.
• Liquid smoke is optional but adds a lovely smoky depth; omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adjusting quantities accordingly (about 1 tablespoon fresh thyme and oregano).
• This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Adjust vegetable broth amount as needed depending on desired soup thickness.

Keywords: Vegan split pea soup, easy vegan soup, gluten-free soup, plant-based soup, healthy split pea recipe