Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe (2024)

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This vegan split pea soup recipe Is made with creamy split green peas, golden potatoes and infused with a subtle layer of smokiness from a dash of liquid smoke. Healthy, no ham hock, no meat, no dairy, dutch oven stove top recipe.

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Split Pea Soup

This one pot healthy variation of the beloved classic green split pea soup recipe is pure comfort in a bowl. Naturally vegan, protein and fiber packed and totally next level if you serve it with torn pieces of garlicky bruschetta on top.

About the Split Peas

Green split peas are the star of this dish, and although not mandatory, I prefer to do a quick soak in hot water for a couple of hours. I find this method always guarantees the creamiest texture and shortest cooking time. The green and yellow variety can both be used here, so use whichever you prefer or what needs using up from the pantry, I prefer the green. A high protein legume the split pea needs a place of honor in our pantries and daily lives.

On Potatoes

For a hearty and filling meal I love adding some diced golden potatoes in the last 20 minutes of cooking. It also boosts the creamy and comforting level by 100%. Yes you can swap for sweet potatoes if desired.

The Flavor Profile

Savory, rich with a deep umami factor that lingers in the memory as something incredibly comforting. Smoked paprika, onion powder, nutritional yeast and a little dash of liquid smoke (or a finishing of smoked sea salt) gives the soup that “je ne sais quoi” profile of a stew that has been slowly simmering on a low fire for hours but ready in no time. Subtle hints of thyme, rosemary and bay permeate the peas and potatoes with delicious aromas during cooking.

Ingredient Tips + FAQs

  • What are split peas anyway?A member of the legume family, split peas are regular field peas that have been dried, outer skin removed and split in half. Although a legume they are not to be confused with green lentils which are seeds from the pods of a plant.
  • Can I use yellow split peas instead of green? Technically yes, just keep in mind that the flavor of the yellow ones is milder while the green are heartier with deeper earthy undertones.
  • Do I have to soak the split peas? – I highly recommend a quick soak of 2 hours in hot water. There is no way to tell how fresh your peas are or how dry. For example, when purchasing bulk in a humid tropical climate such as South Florida our legumes have more moisture and cook faster than they do in a dry arid desert climate. So for best results and quickest cooking time you should always do a quick soak.
  • Add ins: cooked barley, farro, brown rice, quinoa. Wilt in some kale, mustard greens, baby spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving suggestions

  • homemade crusty bread
  • focaccia
  • potato flatbread
  • dinner rolls
  • bruschetta croutons.

Storage + Make Ahead

This is a great soup to make ahead and freeze in smaller portions for a rainy day. Thaw out in the refrigerator and heat up until bubbly on the stove top. Add a little splash of water to loosen it up if need be.

Soups + Stews

  • Veggie Sweet Potato Soup
  • Lentil Soup
  • White Bean Soup
  • Dill Pickle Soup
  • Chunky Potato Dill Soup
  • Vegan Zuppa Toscana
  • Broccoli Potato Soup
  • Potato Leek Soup
  • Chickpea Stew
  • Mushroom Bourguignon
  • Black Bean Soup
  • Vegan Cauliflower Soup.

how to make vegan split pea soup with potatoes and liquid smoke

Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe (9)

5 from 2 votes

Vegan Green Split Pea Soup

This vegan split pea soup recipe Is made with creamy split green peas, golden potatoes and infused with a subtle layer of smokiness from a dash of liquid smoke. Healthy, no ham hock, no meat, no dairy, one pot stove top recipe cooked in my dutch oven.

Print Recipe

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:50 minutes mins

soaking time:2 hours hrs

Total Time:3 hours hrs

Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Pick through the split peas and rinse well. Place in a large bowl and cover with hot water. Allow to soak for 2 hours. Drain before adding to the soup.

    1.5 cups green split peas

  • Preheat a heavy bottom soup pot over medium heat. Add a light drizzle of olive oil (or water for WFPB) and sautee the onion, carrot and celery with a pinch of salt until softened and they start to get some color. A good 10 minutes stirring often.

    1 large onion, 1 large carrot, 2 celery stalks

  • Stir in the smoked paprika, onion powder, bay, thyme and rosemary. Give everything a good toss and cook until the spices are fragrant, a minute or so. Add inn the soaked split peas.

    2 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 bay leaves, 1 sprig rosemary, 8 sprigs fresh thyme, 1.5 cups green split peas

  • Pour in the 5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Partially cover with a lid and cook on medium heat for 30 minutes.

    5 cups water

  • Add the diced potatoes to the soup and cook an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes have softened and the split peas are fully cooked and creamy.

    4 - 5 golden potatoes

  • Stir in the nutritional yeast and liquid smoke if using and adjust seasonings to taste with about 1 teaspoon smoked sea salt or your favorite salt. Remove the soup from heat and discard the woody herbs sprigs. Garnish with the fresh parsley, dill or chives and a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Serve with bruschetta croutons or crusty bread.

    1 Tbsp nutritional yeast, 1 tsp liquid smoke, smoked sea salt to taste, Red pepper flakes to taste, 1/3 cup fresh parsley

WFPB + Plantricious

  • For WFPB compliance make sure to sautee in water instead of olive oil.

    Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe (10)

Notes

  • Thickening - As the soup sits and cools down it will thicken up, if needed you can thin it out with a splash of veggie broth when reheating.
  • Storage + Make Ahead -This is a great soup to make ahead and freeze in smaller portions for a rainy day. Thaw out in the refrigerator and heat up until bubbly on the stove top. Add a little splash of water to loosen it up if need be.
  • Do I have to soak the split peas? - I highly recommend a quick soak of 2 hours in hot water. There is no way to tell how fresh your peas are or how dry. For example, when purchasing bulk in a humid tropical climate such as South Florida our legumes have more moisture and cook faster than they do in a dry arid desert climate. So for best results and quickest cooking time you should always do a quick soak.

Nutrition

Calories: 388kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 46mg | Potassium: 1694mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 2463IU | Vitamin C: 60mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 5mg

Course: Soup

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Split Pea Soup, vegan,

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Florentina

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Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you add flavor to a bland split pea soup? ›

Using onions, garlic, and fresh spices like thyme will add flavor to the soup. The real trick to making a bland pea soup extra tasty is using a bone or ham hock in the soup during the cooking process. Chicken broth will also add flavor to the soup.

How healthy is split pea soup for you? ›

Rich in fiber: Split green peas are high in fiber, one serving of this soup has about 18 grams of fiber. Fiber helps to promote digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Low in fat: Split green peas are low in fat and contain no cholesterol, making them a heart-healthy food.

Why is my pea soup not creamy? ›

One common reason is using too much water or broth while cooking. Additionally, if the split peas are not cooked long enough, they may not release enough starch to thicken the soup.

How do you add depth of Flavour to soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Got a soup that tastes a little bland and unexciting? Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok.

How to jazz up pea soup? ›

I like plenty of carrots in my pea soup. Then I add some sort of smoked meat: ham hocks if I can get them, smoked turkey legs or necks if I can't. Bacon at a pinch, but don't cook it in the soup. Pull it out, use the fat to saute the veggies, then use the crisp bacon bits as a garnish when you serve.

What is the difference between split pea soup and pea soup? ›

A recipe for "pea soup" from 1905 is made with split peas, salt pork and cold roast beef. The soup is strained through a sieve to achieve the desired texture. "Split pea soup" is a slightly thinner soup with visible peas and pieces of ham, especially popular in the Northeast, the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

What can you use to thicken split pea soup? ›

Add Flour Or Cornstarch

You can thicken soup by adding flour, cornstarch, or another starchy substitute.

How do you reduce gas in split pea soup? ›

How do you make pea soup not gassy? Using Ayurvedic cooking methods, rinsing and soaking your peas before cooking, and eating them in a balanced meal help make pea soup not gassy.

Does split pea soup raise blood sugar? ›

Split peas are high in fiber, which can help decrease cholesterol, normalize blood sugar and help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Should split pea soup be thin or thick? ›

However not thickened with traditional methods, the thickness of this soup comes from the cooking down of the split peas themselves. The longer you cook the pea occupied broth, the thicker the soup gets. This is a preference, so you choose your thickness.

What are the white things in pea soup? ›

Very likely the embryo of the peas! Each side of the pea is an endosperm, like the white of an egg. These are probably just left over embryos of the peas, or the yolk, if you will.

Can you overcook pea soup? ›

Update: If you overcook, the soup will get even thicker than usual! and turn a little bit of an olive drab color--it will still taste good though!"

How do you fix bland pea soup? ›

The common denominator will probably be meat (ham bones are common), more salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to take a shortcut, you could use bouillon cubes or paste to provide both meaty flavor and salt, though pork is a lot harder to find than chicken or beef. Salt and pepper you can just stir in.

How do you spruce up canned split pea soup? ›

Cook and crumble up some bacon or sausage for a punch of additional meaty flavor. Try sauteing ham for split pea soup. Even some pan-fried shrimp would be great on canned potato or corn chowder. If you steer clear of meat, you can turn to vegetarian protein options like eggs and tofu.

What strong spice can you add to your soup for flavor? ›

Cayenne – For a deeper spice and heat. Cayenne can be used along with or in place of black or white pepper. Smoked Paprika – A great spice for adding an earthy, smoky flavor without a lot of heat to your soups and stews. Cinnamon – Yes, cinnamon.

How do you add flavor to bland food? ›

Even a quick marinade or dry rub can make a difference, so toss your meat, fish, or veggie in something flavorful, like olive oil and lemon juice, some mustard and herbs, or just a sprinkle of garlic and chile powder.

References

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