Cozy & Creamy Vegan Split Pea Soup: A Hearty, Flavorful Delight

Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, traditionally made with ham. But fear not, plant-based eaters! This vegan split pea soup recipe delivers all the heartwarming goodness and satisfying flavor of the original, without any animal products. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a healthy and delicious meal for any time of year. This recipe will guide you through creating a rich, flavorful, and creamy vegan split pea soup that will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Split Pea Soup

* **Hearty and Filling:** Split peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for hours.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** A combination of aromatic vegetables, herbs, and spices creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is relatively simple and straightforward, perfect for a weeknight meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Split peas are an affordable and accessible pantry staple.
* **Naturally Vegan and Gluten-Free:** This recipe is suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, spices, or toppings.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
* **Comfort Food Classic, Veganized!:** Enjoy a childhood favorite, made with compassion and plant-based goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the key ingredients you’ll need to make this amazing vegan split pea soup:

* **Split Peas:** The star of the show! Green split peas are most commonly used, but yellow split peas will also work (the flavor will be slightly different).
* **Vegetable Broth:** Use a high-quality vegetable broth for the best flavor. Homemade is always great, but store-bought works just fine.
* **Olive Oil:** Used for sautéing the vegetables. You can substitute with another oil of your choice.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base to the soup.
* **Carrots:** Contribute sweetness and color.
* **Celery:** Provides an aromatic element.
* **Garlic:** Essential for flavor! Minced garlic adds a pungent kick.
* **Smoked Paprika:** This is the secret ingredient that gives the soup a smoky flavor reminiscent of ham. Don’t skip it!
* **Dried Thyme:** Adds a subtle earthy flavor.
* **Bay Leaf:** Infuses the soup with a subtle herbal aroma. Remember to remove it before serving!
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste, of course!
* **Optional: Nutritional Yeast:** Adds a cheesy, umami flavor.
* **Optional: Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors at the end.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, croutons, vegan sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil.

**Detailed Ingredient List with Quantities:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 medium carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 cup green split peas, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Croutons or vegan sour cream for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect vegan split pea soup:

**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**

* Wash and chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.

**Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics**

* In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
* Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

**Step 3: Add the Split Peas and Broth**

* Rinse the split peas thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and excess starch.
* Add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with the vegetable broth and bay leaf.
* Stir well to combine.

**Step 4: Simmer the Soup**

* Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are tender and have broken down.
* Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

**Step 5: Blend (Optional)**

* For a creamier soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids!
* If you prefer a chunkier soup, skip this step.

**Step 6: Season and Finish**

* Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* If using, stir in the nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and the lemon juice for brightness.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley, croutons, or a dollop of vegan sour cream, if desired.
* A drizzle of olive oil can also add a nice touch.

Tips for the Best Vegan Split Pea Soup

* **Use high-quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the soup.
* **Don’t skip the smoked paprika:** This is the key to getting that smoky, ham-like flavor.
* **Rinse the split peas:** Rinsing the split peas removes excess starch and helps to prevent the soup from becoming too thick.
* **Simmer low and slow:** Simmering the soup for a longer period of time allows the flavors to meld together and the split peas to break down properly.
* **Adjust the consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a bit longer without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
* **Taste and adjust seasoning:** Always taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to achieve the desired flavor.
* **Use an immersion blender carefully:** When using an immersion blender, be careful not to splatter hot soup.
* **Let the soup sit:** Like many soups and stews, split pea soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

Variations and Additions

* **Add more vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, or kale.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
* **Add herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary, sage, or oregano.
* **Make it creamy with coconut milk:** For an even creamier soup, stir in a can of full-fat coconut milk at the end of cooking.
* **Add vegan protein:** Add some cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tofu for an extra boost of protein.
* **Add liquid smoke:** A few drops of liquid smoke can enhance the smoky flavor.
* **Top with roasted vegetables:** Roast some vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts and use them as a topping for the soup.
* **Different Split Peas:** As mentioned, you can use yellow split peas. They have a slightly milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan split pea soup is delicious on its own as a hearty and satisfying meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Serve with crusty bread or crackers:** For dipping and soaking up the delicious soup.
* **Pair with a side salad:** For a light and refreshing complement to the soup.
* **Top with vegan croutons:** For added crunch and flavor.
* **Garnish with fresh herbs:** Such as parsley, chives, or dill.
* **Add a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt:** For added creaminess and tang.
* **Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich (vegan, of course!):** A classic pairing.

Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little water or vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.
* **Freeze:** The soup can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use yellow split peas instead of green split peas?**
Yes, you can use yellow split peas. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
* **Do I need to soak the split peas before cooking?**
No, split peas do not need to be soaked before cooking. However, rinsing them is recommended to remove any debris.
* **How do I make the soup thicker?**
If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a bit longer without the lid to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also blend a portion of the soup to thicken it.
* **How do I make the soup thinner?**
If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth or water.
* **Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?**
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer them to the slow cooker along with the split peas, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the split peas are tender.
* **Can I freeze this soup?**
Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
* **Is this soup gluten-free?**
Yes, this soup is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free vegetable broth and any toppings are also gluten-free.
* **Can I add other vegetables?**
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, or any other vegetables you enjoy.

Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe card for your convenience:

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 1 hour 30 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 medium carrots, chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 cup green split peas, rinsed
* 6 cups vegetable broth
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1-2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
* Croutons or vegan sour cream for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Add garlic, smoked paprika, and thyme and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Rinse split peas and add to the pot along with vegetable broth and bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until split peas are tender and broken down, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove bay leaf.
7. (Optional) Blend soup with an immersion blender or in a regular blender (in batches) until smooth.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in nutritional yeast and lemon juice, if using.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, croutons, or vegan sour cream, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting vegan split pea soup!

This recipe is a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegan food can be. Enjoy a hearty bowl of this cozy soup on a chilly day, knowing you’re nourishing your body with plant-based goodness. Let me know what you think of the recipe in the comments below!