Easy & Delicious Vegan Split Pea Soup: A Hearty Comfort Food Recipe
Split pea soup is a classic comfort food, and this vegan version is just as hearty and satisfying as the traditional recipe. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for a chilly day. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, making it a budget-friendly and convenient meal option. Plus, it’s incredibly nutritious, providing a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. This blog post will guide you through the process of creating this delicious soup, offering tips and tricks to ensure a flavorful and satisfying result.
## Why You’ll Love This Vegan Split Pea Soup
* **Hearty and Filling:** Split peas are naturally high in protein and fiber, making this soup incredibly satisfying and keeping you full for hours.
* **Easy to Make:** With minimal prep work and simple instructions, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Split peas are an inexpensive ingredient, making this a great option for budget-conscious meals.
* **Nutritious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this soup is a healthy and delicious way to nourish your body.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, spices, or herbs.
* **Vegan and Gluten-Free:** A naturally vegan and gluten-free option, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
* **Freezable:** Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal later on.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious vegan split pea soup:
* **Dried Split Peas:** 2 cups (green or yellow split peas work well)
* **Vegetable Broth:** 8 cups (low-sodium is recommended)
* **Onion:** 1 large, chopped
* **Carrots:** 2 medium, chopped
* **Celery:** 2 stalks, chopped
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Bay Leaf:** 1
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon (adds a lovely smoky flavor)
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* **Potatoes:** 1-2 medium, diced (add more substance)
* **Spinach or Kale:** 1 cup, chopped (add towards the end for extra greens)
* **Vegan Ham or Sausage:** For added protein and flavor (check ingredients for vegan suitability)
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and hearty vegan split pea soup:
**Step 1: Rinse the Split Peas**
Place the split peas in a colander and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. This helps to remove any debris and excess starch, which can contribute to a less desirable texture in the final soup.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
**Why this step is important:** Sautéing the vegetables first helps to develop their flavors and create a deeper, richer base for the soup. The onions become sweeter, and the carrots and celery release their aromatic compounds.
**Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices**
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika to the pot and cook for another minute, stirring constantly. This allows the garlic to release its fragrance and prevents it from burning. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky depth to the soup.
**Step 4: Add Split Peas and Broth**
Pour in the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the split peas are very tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent the soup from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
**Why simmer instead of boil?** Simmering allows the split peas to cook gently and evenly, preventing them from becoming mushy or sticking to the pot. It also helps to develop the flavors of the soup over time.
**Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Consistency**
After about an hour, check the split peas for doneness. They should be very soft and easily mashed with a spoon. If the soup is too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
**Step 6: Season and Blend (Optional)**
Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. At this point, you can choose to blend the soup for a smoother texture. If you prefer a chunky soup, leave it as is. To blend, you can use an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer the soup to a regular blender in batches. Be cautious when blending hot liquids, as they can create pressure and cause splattering. If using a regular blender, vent the lid slightly.
**Step 7: Add Optional Ingredients (If Using)**
If you’re adding potatoes, add them along with the split peas and broth in Step 4, as they need time to cook through. If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir it in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, until wilted. If you’re adding vegan ham or sausage, cook it separately according to package directions and then add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to warm through.
**Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!**
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright and refreshing touch. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or a drizzle of olive oil. Crusty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth.
## Tips and Variations
* **Soaking the Split Peas:** While not strictly necessary, soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can help them cook faster and more evenly. If you choose to soak them, drain the soaking water before adding them to the soup.
* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as parsnips, turnips, or sweet potatoes. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Add a Smoky Flavor:** For an even smokier flavor, add a smoked ham hock or smoked paprika to the soup. (For vegan version use extra smoked paprika, or smoked salt)
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
* **Use an Instant Pot:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the Instant Pot. Sauté the vegetables as directed, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 15-20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier soup, add a can of coconut milk or a few tablespoons of vegan cream cheese after blending.
* **Don’t have vegetable broth?** Use water with a vegetable bouillon cube or powder. Adjust salt to taste.
* **Toasting spices:** Toasting the dry spices (thyme, smoked paprika) in the pot for a minute or two before adding the other ingredients can intensify their flavor. Be careful not to burn them.
## Serving Suggestions
This vegan split pea soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also great served with:
* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Vegan Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic comfort food pairing.
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing complement to the hearty soup.
* **Vegan Cornbread:** A sweet and savory side that pairs perfectly with the soup.
## Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Freeze:** For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
## Reheating Instructions
* **Stovetop:** Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)**
(Per serving, based on 6 servings, without optional add-ins):
* Calories: Approximately 250-300
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fiber: 15-20g
* Fat: 5-8g
_Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes._
## Recipe Card
Here’s a handy recipe card for easy reference:
**Vegan Split Pea Soup**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 1-1.5 hours
**Yields:** 6 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed
* 8 cups vegetable broth
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 medium carrots, chopped
* 2 stalks celery, chopped
* 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional add-ins: potatoes, spinach/kale, vegan ham/sausage, lemon juice
**Instructions:**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
2. Add the garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add the split peas and vegetable broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, or until split peas are very tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Blend if desired.
5. Add optional ingredients (potatoes with broth, spinach/kale last 5-10 minutes, vegan ham/sausage last few minutes).
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Conclusion
This vegan split pea soup is a delicious, hearty, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a comforting and nutritious meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of vegan split pea soup!
Enjoy this delightful and straightforward recipe! We encourage you to share your creations and experiences in the comments below. What variations did you try? What did you serve it with? Your feedback and insights are valuable to our community of food enthusiasts!