Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These are dried peas that have been peeled and split, making them perfect for soups as they cook down to a creamy texture.

Onion: Adds a foundational flavor to the soup, providing a sweet and savory base.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic and pungent taste.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a pop of color to the soup.

Celery: Provides a subtle, earthy flavor and a bit of crunch.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a warm, peppery flavor to the soup.

Smoked paprika: Gives the soup a smoky depth and a hint of spice.

Bay leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the other flavors.

When preparing this vegan split pea soup, ensure you rinse and sort the split peas thoroughly to remove any debris or small stones. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture. Additionally, when sautéing the onion and garlic, allow them to become fully softened and slightly caramelized to enhance the depth of flavor in the soup.

• split peas - Substitute with lentils: Lentils have a similar texture and cook faster, making them a great alternative.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can provide a similar aromatic base.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a subtle garlic flavor and can enhance the soup's depth.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, earthy flavor that complements the soup well.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor, providing a unique twist to the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano offers a robust flavor that can stand in for thyme.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika provides a similar color and mild flavor, though without the smokiness.

• bay leaf - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can add a different but pleasant aromatic note to the soup.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a rich, umami flavor that enhances the soup's depth.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a bit of heat and can spice up the soup.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the soup fresh.
• Transfer the cooled soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, use individual serving-sized containers.
• Label the containers with the date of preparation. This ensures you can keep track of how long the soup has been stored.
• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The vegetable broth and split peas will maintain their flavor and texture during this period.
• For longer storage, place the labeled containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps preserve the soup's texture.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
• Alternatively, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the soup is hot throughout.
• If the soup appears too thick after reheating, adjust the consistency by adding a bit more vegetable broth or water.
• Always taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving, as flavors can mellow during storage.

• Gently reheat the split pea soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.

• Use the microwave for a quick option. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. Adjust the time as needed based on your microwave's power.

• For a slow and steady approach, reheat the soup in a slow cooker on the low setting. This method is perfect if you want to keep the soup warm for an extended period, such as during a gathering.

• If you prefer an oven method, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. This method is great for reheating larger quantities.

• For a creamy twist, reheat the soup on the stovetop and stir in a splash of coconut milk or cashew cream towards the end of reheating. This adds a rich, velvety texture to your vegan split pea soup.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup as it provides enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is useful for stirring the ingredients without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is needed for chopping the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and clean surface for chopping vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to measure the split peas and vegetable broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are necessary for measuring the thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the soup once it is ready.

• Colander: A colander is used to rinse and sort the split peas before adding them to the soup.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Peeler: A peeler is handy for peeling the carrots before chopping them.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use a pressure cooker: Cook the split peas and vegetables in a pressure cooker to reduce cooking time by half.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Pre-rinse split peas: Rinse and sort the split peas ahead of time to save a few minutes during prep.

Ready-made broth: Use store-bought vegetable broth to skip the step of making your own.