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This simple recipe for vegan split pea soup is hearty, a little smokey, comforting, and so nutritious!
As a kid, my only experience with split pea soup was the canned stuff. And how unappetizing that was. Let's not talk about it anymore.
Eventually, as adults, my husband and I started making our own homemade version. This was before we went vegan, so we used ham hock and bacon as it's how split pea soup is traditionally made.
The meat provides a smokey, deep flavor. But we can easily achieve that same flavor with all vegan ingredients (like smoked paprika) and no animals harmed.
Ingredients
Not only is this soup comforting, but it is also super nutritious. Carrots, potatoes, and of course, green split peas, make up the bulk of the soup.
To make it flavorful, we'll be seasoning it with smoked paprika, thyme, marjoram, pepper, garlic, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and onions.
How to Make
The method for making split pea soup is pretty simple and straightforward.
Start with rinsing the split peas in a mesh strainer. Set them aside for now.
Next, heat up oil in a large pot. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add in the garlic, smoked paprika, marjoram, pepper, and thyme. Sauté for another 2 minutes or so. I love to sauté my spices to bring out a deeper flavor.
Now you can add the split peas, veggie stock, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for an hour or more, until the split peas are tender and beginning to disintegrate. (You can use an immersion blender at this point if you want a super smooth base.)
Next, you can stir in the cubed potatoes and chopped carrots. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender. Season with salt to taste.
Serve as is, with some quick yeast-free bread or with homemade garlic croutons! I love the lovely crunch croutons add to the soup.
FAQ
Can I Make This Soup Without Oil?
Yes, of course! To make this recipe oil-free, you can saute the onions in vegetable stock - you'll probably need a ¼ cup or so as it evaporates, unlike oil. Add more as needed.
Is Worcestershire Sauce Vegan?
Many brands of Worcestershire sauce contain anchovies, but some are vegan (namely the Kroger store brand and Annie's). If you want to make your own, here is a recipe for homemade vegan Worcestershire sauce. Otherwise, you can substitute the Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce.
What's the Difference Between Yellow and Green Split Peas?
Most split pea soup recipes call for green split peas. You technically could also use yellow split peas, but the flavor is not the same and thus the soup will taste different. Yellow split peas are more mild-tasting than green split peas. I recommend sticking with green split peas for that traditional flavor.
Can I Make This in the Instant Pot?
Yep! See my recipe for Vegan Instant Pot Split Pea soup here.
More Vegan Soup Recipes to Try
- Chickpea Noodle Soup
- Vegetable Pot Pie Soup
- Vegan Bean and Bacon Soup
- Lentil Soup
- 5-Minute Tomato Soup
- Vegan French Onion Soup
- Vegan Potato Soup
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Vegan Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb dried green split peas
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 yellow onion - chopped
- 6 cloves garlic - finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon marjoram
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups vegetable stock/broth
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce - or soy sauce
- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes - peeled and cubed
- 2 large carrots - peeled and chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse split peas. Set aside.
- In a large pot on medium heat, add the oil and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Add in the garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, marjoram, and black pepper and sauté for an additional two minutes.
- Add the split peas, vegetable stock, and Worcestershire sauce to the pot.
- Bring to a boil on high. Reduce heat to low, cover with lid, then simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the peas are tender and beginning to disintegrate.
- Add the potatoes and carrots into the soup. Bring to a simmer again. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
- Salt to taste.
