I’m so excited to share this split pea soup vegan recipe with you all! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love it because it’s comforting and familiar, but also a little bit special.
And as a mom, I love that it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies. Plus, it’s just so easy to make! I mean, who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned soup that’s packed with nutrients and flavor?
The best part is that it’s perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special treat for the holidays. And let me tell you, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day. In fact, I like to make a big batch on the weekend and then reheat it throughout the week.
It’s just one of those recipes that never fails to please. As for where this dish comes from, split pea soup is actually a pretty traditional British recipe. But don’t worry if you’re not from the UK – this version is totally adapted to American tastes and ingredients.
The key home cooking technique here is definitely the slow-cooking process. You see, by simmering those peas in liquid over low heat for hours, you get this rich, velvety texture that’s just irresistible. It’s really all about the patience and letting those flavors meld together.
Vegan Split Pea Soup
4.7 from 1023 votes
A hearty and flavorful vegan split pea soup made with simple ingredients. This comforting soup is perfect for a cold day and comes together in one pot.
2Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
3Add the minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot.
4Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften.
5Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
6Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
7Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
8Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and falling apart.
9Remove the bay leaves and discard.
10Stir in the lemon juice.
11For a creamier soup, use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup directly in the pot, or transfer 2 cups to a blender and puree until smooth, then return to the pot.
12Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
13Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
For added flavor, you can sauté a diced potato along with the other vegetables. The soup thickens as it cools, so add extra broth when reheating if needed.
Watch Video Of How Vegan Split Pea Soup Works
One of my favorite things about split pea soup is how well it stores – whether you’re refrigerating leftovers or freezing them for later use.
Simply thaw frozen portions in the fridge overnight or reheat refrigerated leftovers over low heat until warmed through.
Serving ideas are endless too – try serving over rice or noodles for an easy weeknight meal; or add some crusty bread on the side for dipping into that delicious broth.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan Split Pea Soup
Q: Can I use fresh peas instead of dried?
A: While fresh peas would certainly be delicious in this soup, they wouldn’t provide the same depth of flavor as dried peas. Plus, they’d be quite expensive and hard to find in most supermarkets. So while you can technically use fresh peas if you have them on hand, I would recommend sticking with dried peas for this recipe.
Q: Is split pea soup good for me?
A: Absolutely! This soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins A and K from the split peas themselves. Plus, it’s made with low-sodium broth and minimal added fat – making it a great choice for health-conscious cooks like myself.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes! In fact, making split pea soup in a slow cooker is one of my favorite ways to prepare it. Simply brown your onion and garlic in a pan before adding everything else to the slow cooker – then let it cook on low all day while you’re out at work or running errands.
Q: Do I have to use vegetable broth?
A: No! While vegetable broth does add a nice depth of flavor to this soup, you can also use chicken broth or even beef broth if that’s what you have on hand.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes – in fact, freezing is one of my favorite ways to preserve leftover soup so I can enjoy it later.
Q: Is split pea soup good for babies?
A: While split pea soup can be a bit thick and pulpy for some babies’ taste buds (and texture!), many babies do enjoy it around 8-10 months old when they’re starting to explore more solid foods
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