split pea vegetarian soup recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best split pea vegetarian soup recipe

I’ve been making split pea vegetarian soup for years, and it’s a staple in our household. My kids love it, and I love how easy it is to make.

The recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with the sweetness of the peas, the earthiness of the vegetables, and the richness of the broth. It’s a true comfort food that never fails to warm our hearts and bellies.

I’ve experimented with different spices and seasonings over the years, but this recipe remains one of my favorites. It’s also incredibly versatile – we like to serve it as a main course, but it’s just as delicious as a side dish or even as a dip.

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit our dietary needs. Whether we’re following a vegan diet or just looking for a meat-free option, this soup is always a hit.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – split pea soup is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins A and K, making it a nutritious choice for our family meals. I’ve also found that using fresh vegetables makes all the difference in terms of flavor and texture.

When we’re out of fresh veggies, I substitute them with frozen or canned options – but if possible, using fresh ingredients is always the way to go. This recipe has become a trusted favorite in our household, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too.

Split Pea Vegetarian Soup

4.7 from 723 votes

A hearty and comforting split pea soup made with vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a cozy meal on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Split Pea Soup

2 cups dried split peas
1 large onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2Add onion, carrots, and celery.
3Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables begin to soften and onions become translucent.
4Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
5Stir in dried split peas, thyme, oregano, and bay leaf.
6Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the peas with the vegetable mixture.
7Pour in vegetable broth and water.
8Stir well to combine.
9Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
10Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
11Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
12Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly.
13Remove the bay leaf.
14Using a blender or immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth.
15If you prefer a chunkier soup, you can mash some of the peas with the back of a spoon.
16Return the soup to the pot if using a blender.
17Season with salt and pepper to taste.
18Reheat gently if needed, then serve hot.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Blender or immersion blender

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 15g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: For a creamier soup add 1 cup of coconut milk or 1 cup of heavy cream. For a spicier soup add 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes.

Watch Video Of How Split Pea Vegetarian Soup Works

This split pea vegetarian soup recipe is one that never fails us – whether we’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. One trick I’ve learned over the years is to let the soup simmer for at least 20 minutes before serving – this allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to serve this soup, try pairing it with crusty bread or cornbread for an added touch of comfort food magic.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Split Pea Vegetarian Soup

Q: What type of split peas should I use?

I recommend using green split peas for this recipe – they have a slightly sweeter flavor than yellow or black split peas.

Q: Can I use frozen or canned peas instead?

You can definitely use frozen or canned peas if you don’t have access to fresh ones – just thaw them first before adding them to the pot.

Q: How long does this soup take to make?

This soup takes about 30-40 minutes to cook – most of which is spent simmering on the stovetop.

Q: Can I make this soup in advance?

You can certainly make this soup ahead of time – simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer-term storage.

Q: What are some variations on this recipe?

You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices – try using thyme or rosemary for added depth of flavor.

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