Green Split Peas Soup Vegetarian Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with nutrients and simple to make. Green split pea soup is one of those dishes that blends rustic charm with nutritional powerhouse ingredients, offering a rich, savory flavor and a creamy texture. Perfect for chilly nights, this vegetarian recipe takes the classic split pea soup and brings it into a vegetarian-friendly space without sacrificing the flavor or heartiness.

Whether you’re a seasoned soup-maker or a newbie, this recipe is versatile enough for both the most confident cooks and the most cautious. Plus, green split peas are affordable, widely available, and cook relatively quickly-perfect for those last-minute meals or meal prep sessions. If you’re ready to dive into the delicious world of plant-based cooking, this green split pea soup is a fantastic place to start!

Green Split Peas Soup Vegetarian Recipe

This vegetarian green split pea soup is all about simplicity and flavor. The earthy, mild taste of split peas pairs beautifully with the subtle sweetness of carrots and onions, while a blend of herbs and seasonings ensures that the soup is not only nourishing but also full of depth. The creaminess of the soup comes naturally from the peas themselves, making it a naturally gluten-free and dairy-free dish.

Let’s walk through this step-by-step:

Ingredients Needed

You don’t need a ton of ingredients to make this soup, but each one plays a key role in giving the soup its distinct flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Green Split Peas – The star of the show. These peas have a mild, earthy flavor and break down nicely during cooking to give the soup a creamy texture.
• Vegetable Broth – You’ll need about 4 cups of broth for the base. Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth to control the amount of salt in your soup.
• Carrots – Two to three medium-sized carrots, diced. Their sweetness contrasts nicely with the peas and helps add color to the soup.
• Onion – One large yellow onion, chopped. The sweetness of onion is a great counterbalance to the earthy peas.
• Celery – Two stalks, finely chopped. Celery gives a lovely aromatic quality to the soup and adds a little crunch to the texture.
• Garlic – Three cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic brings a savory, aromatic depth to the soup.
• Bay Leaves – Two bay leaves add a lovely, subtle herbaceous flavor that enhances the overall profile.
• Thyme – A teaspoon of dried thyme (or fresh if you have it on hand) adds an earthy, slightly floral note.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste. These will bring everything together and season the soup just right.
• Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables at the beginning.
• Lemon Juice (optional) – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens up the soup and adds a bit of zing.

Cooking Instructions

1. Sauté The Aromatics

   Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions turn translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Add The Split Peas And Broth

   Stir in the green split peas, coating them in the oil and veggie mix. Then, pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the bay leaves and thyme.

3. Simmer

   Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for about 45-60 minutes. The peas should break down and the soup should thicken to a creamy consistency. If you find the soup too thick, you can add extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

4. Blend For Creaminess (Optional)

   If you like your soup extra creamy, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can ladle about 2 cups of soup into a blender, blend it until smooth, and then return it to the pot. This step is optional but creates a rich, velvety texture.

5. Season And Serve

   Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

• Green Split Peas: These peas are high in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like folate. They’re also a great source of iron, making them a perfect meat substitute in vegetarian dishes.
• Vegetable Broth: Using broth instead of water adds a savory foundation, infusing the soup with rich, comforting flavors. Opting for low-sodium varieties helps keep the salt content in check.
• Carrots & Celery: These vegetables not only offer a slight sweetness and crunch but are packed with vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Together, they complement the peas and balance out their earthiness.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs are essential in making your soup feel like it’s been simmering all day long. Bay leaves release a mild, slightly sweet flavor, while thyme offers a subtle earthiness that enhances the split peas.

Expert Tips

• Pre-soak the Peas: While not strictly necessary, soaking green split peas for a few hours before cooking can help them cook faster and make the soup even creamier.
• Add a Dash of Heat: If you like a little spice, feel free to throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped fresh chili when sautéing the vegetables. It’ll add a warm kick that balances out the sweetness of the carrots.
• Make it Smoky: If you’re craving a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or tossing in a small amount of smoked tofu or tempeh during the simmering process.
• Top it Off: A dollop of plant-based sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can give the soup an extra layer of freshness and a pop of color.

Recipe Variations

• Add Potatoes: If you’re looking to make the soup even heartier, adding some diced potatoes will give the dish a starchy, comforting boost.
• Creamy Green Split Pea Soup: For an extra creamy version, stir in a cup of coconut milk or a splash of heavy cream at the end of cooking.
• Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage also work great with split peas. Feel free to experiment with the herbs you have on hand.
• Roasted Vegetables: For a deeper flavor, consider roasting the carrots and celery before adding them to the soup. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and brings a nice depth of flavor.

Final Words

This green split pea soup is an easy, nourishing meal that delivers on flavor, nutrition, and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or serving it as an appetizer alongside crusty bread, this recipe is bound to please anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying option. With its simple ingredients, easy prep, and versatility, this soup will quickly become a go-to in your vegetarian recipe rotation.