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 keep split pea soup from getting thick? ›

You could use whole peas instead of split peas. But even then there will be some thickening. You could (evidently) make a thinner soup on day 1, so that on the days after, the soup would be of a normal consistency. You could do this by just adding more water and leaving the potatoes out, if you use them.

How do you make split pea soup less bland? ›

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.

Why are my split pea soup peas not breaking down? ›

If your split peas are hard after this length of cooking time, there is something wrong with the peas or with your water. If the peas are very old and dried out, they won't soften. And if the water you use for making the soup is hard with lots of dissolved minerals that can stop the peas from softening.

How do you make split pea soup less gassy? ›

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.

How to add more flavor to split pea soup? ›

Ham bone: A ham bone is cooked with the peas, adding a wonderfully meaty flavor. Vegetables: You'll need two onions, three carrots, three celery stalks, and one potato. Spices and seasonings: This split pea soup recipe is seasoned with salt, black pepper, and dried marjoram.

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

How do I add flavor to 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.

What makes split pea soup taste better? ›

I like to add carrots and chunks of ham …” I took notes as I imagined the flavors of the soup developing in the pot, the sauteed onions and carrots sweetening the earthy peas, the ham adding a hint of smokiness.

Is split pea soup a laxative? ›

Yes, Pea is good for constipation. Pea is a rich source of fiber that might improve the bowel movement and relieve constipation. Pea also helps in the growth of intestinal bacteria. This helps to improve intestinal health[9].

How to enhance pea soup? ›

Onion, lots of garlic, bay leaves, oregano and thyme make this soup taste amazing. We recommend using fresh thyme for the best taste.

Can I add more peas to split pea soup? ›

I'd try two more bags of peas, just barely covered with boiling water until they plump up. I'd then add these after they absorb all the water (an hour or so) and add more cubed up veggies (carrots, potatoes) as well. Cook until the "new" peas and veggies are tender and see what the consistency is like then.

What happens if you don't soak split peas? ›

To Soak or Not to Soak

It's true, soaking peas overnight in water shortens their cooking time. But soaking isn't entirely necessary. Split peas cook relatively quickly. Unsoaked peas take from 1 to 2 hours of simmering; soaked peas take about 40 minutes.

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!"

What happens if you eat too much split pea soup? ›

While green peas do not cause many problems, dried peas which are split peas, have these side effects. Too many split peas can cause gas buildup in the stomach and cause discomfort. However, taking split peas in regulated quantities can help avoid gastric problems.

Why is pea soup so gassy? ›

These sugars are not broken down during digestion and therefore reach the colon mostly intact. Fermentation of pea's raffinose family of oligosaccharide sugars in the colon results in the production of intestinal gas.

What causes pea soup diarrhea? ›

If diarrhoea is present it may show the characteristic green pea-soup appearance which is so common in both salmonella and shigella infections. The bacteria may escape from the intestinal into the blood stream and cause either a bacteraemia or a full septacaemia.

How do you reduce the thickness of soup? ›

Add more liquid: The simplest solution is to add more liquid, such as water, broth, or milk. Start by adding a small amount and gradually add more until you reach the desired consistency. Use a blender: If you have a blender, you can puree the soup in batches, adding more liquid as needed.

How do you cook split peas so they are soft? ›

Instructions
  1. Rinse the split peas in a colander under cold water.
  2. Transfer the peas to a medium-size pot along with water, or stock, and salt.
  3. Bring the peas to a boil over high heat.
  4. Add on a lid and simmer over low heat for 25 minutes or just until tender.
Oct 21, 2022

Does pea soup thicken as it cooks? ›

As the peas cook they break down into fine starches and the water dissipates, allowing for the soup to thicken.

How do you reduce soup to thicken? ›

"Reducing" simply means simmering a liquid long enough to evaporate the extra water, concentrating the flavors and thickening the dish. Remove large pieces of meat or vegetables from the liquid before reducing so they don't overcook. Sauces, broths and pureed soups can simply simmer as-is.

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