When it comes to crafting a hearty, wholesome, and satisfying meal, few dishes hit the mark like a classic split pea soup. This recipe is not only perfect for those seeking a vegetarian option but is also incredibly flexible, nutritious, and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, a warm bowl of split pea soup can be both comforting and nourishing.
Split pea soup has long been a staple in many cultures, prized for its versatility and its ability to transform simple ingredients into something rich and flavorful. While it’s commonly made with ham or bacon, we’re going the full veggie route in this recipe. This means you’ll be enjoying all the rich flavors, vibrant colors, and nourishing benefits of this classic dish, but without any meat.
The beauty of this vegetarian split pea soup is in its simplicity. It’s a no-fuss, forgiving dish that allows you to get creative, using whatever vegetables you have on hand. Let’s dive deep into the recipe and the science behind why this soup is not only delicious but a great choice for your next meal.
Split Pea Vegetarian Recipe
A vegetarian split pea soup doesn’t need to sacrifice taste or heartiness. With the right balance of seasonings, vegetables, and split peas, you’ll create a soup that’s flavorful, filling, and satisfying. The texture of split peas as they break down during cooking creates the perfect base for a comforting, smooth soup. Here’s how to do it.
Ingredients Needed
To create the perfect split pea soup, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, but don’t worry-they’re easy to find and incredibly cost-effective. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Split peas (Green or yellow): These tiny, dried legumes are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. They’re the heart of the dish, breaking down into a creamy base that makes the soup thick and hearty.
- Carrots: Add a nice bit of sweetness and texture to balance the savory flavors in the soup.
- Celery: A crucial flavor-builder with a touch of earthiness that complements the split peas.
- Onion: Sweet, aromatic, and a perfect base for the soup’s flavor profile.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle layer of depth and a punch of flavor.
- Vegetable broth: To create a rich, savory liquid base without the need for meat.
- Bay leaves: Adds a slightly floral, herbal flavor that works beautifully with the split peas.
- Thyme: A fragrant herb with earthy, minty notes that elevates the soup’s taste.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- Lemon juice (optional): A splash of lemon at the end can add a bright, tangy finish that cuts through the richness of the soup.
- Spinach or kale (optional): For added greens and texture, adding a handful of spinach or kale is a great idea.
Cooking Instructions
Cooking split pea soup is incredibly simple, and most of the magic happens while the ingredients simmer away, allowing the flavors to meld together. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Prepare the ingredients: Start by rinsing the split peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions turn translucent.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Once the vegetables are softened, add the garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Add split peas and broth: Pour in the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to combine, making sure the split peas are submerged in the broth.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and breaking apart. Stir occasionally to ensure the peas don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
- Blend for a smooth texture: If you prefer a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency. For a chunkier soup, leave it as is or blend just a portion of the soup.
- Add greens (optional): If you’re adding spinach or kale, stir them in now and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Finish with lemon: Just before serving, squeeze in a bit of lemon juice for that zesty, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and enjoy with some crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Split Peas: One of the reasons split peas work so well in this soup is because they are high in starch and soluble fiber, which thickens the soup as they cook. As they absorb liquid and break down, they release a creamy texture that makes the soup satisfyingly smooth and filling.
Carrots & Celery: These vegetables don’t just provide flavor and texture; they also help enhance the soup’s nutritional profile. Carrots bring in beta-carotene (a precursor to vitamin A) and a touch of natural sweetness, while celery contributes antioxidants and helps balance the overall flavor.
Thyme & Bay Leaves: These aromatic herbs are packed with essential oils that provide a natural way to bring out the umami flavors of the soup. Both herbs are rich in antioxidants and offer anti-inflammatory properties, helping to boost the health benefits of the dish.
Expert Tips
- Rinse the peas thoroughly: This helps remove any impurities or extra starch that can make the soup too thick or cause it to become too gummy.
- Use homemade vegetable broth: For an extra depth of flavor, making your own vegetable broth or using a high-quality store-bought one will take the soup to another level.
- Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thinner consistency, just add more broth or water while the soup cooks. If it becomes too thick, simply add a splash of liquid at the end.
- Don’t rush the simmering process: Let the soup cook slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully. Split peas release their natural starches, which means the longer it simmers, the thicker and creamier it will become.
- Season in layers: Taste the soup as it cooks and adjust the seasoning at different stages to build depth. Sometimes adding a little extra salt or pepper towards the end can really enhance the flavor.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to switch things up depending on your preferences or dietary needs:
- Add potatoes: For a heartier, more filling soup, add diced potatoes. They’ll absorb the flavors beautifully and add a creamy texture when mashed.
- Spice it up: If you love a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño along with the garlic and herbs.
- Herb swaps: If you’re not a fan of thyme, rosemary or sage can also bring a wonderful earthy flavor to the soup.
- Add coconut milk: For a slightly tropical twist, add a can of coconut milk towards the end of cooking to create a creamy, rich base that’s dairy-free.
- Top with croutons or cheese: For extra crunch, add some homemade croutons on top, or sprinkle some grated cheese (like Parmesan or cheddar) for an added burst of flavor.
Final Words
Split pea soup is more than just a meal-it’s an experience. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor and rich in nutrients, making it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with your favorite ingredients, you’ll be making a soup that’s not only delicious but also nourishing.
FAQs
What Are The Basic Ingredients For A Split Pea Vegetarian Recipe?
A basic split pea vegetarian recipe typically includes split peas, vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, vegetable broth, and seasonings such as garlic, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Some recipes may also include herbs like parsley or rosemary.
Can I Make Split Pea Soup Without Broth?
Yes, you can make split pea soup without broth. Instead, you can use water as a base and add extra seasonings to enhance the flavor, such as nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or additional herbs and spices.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Split Peas For A Vegetarian Recipe?
Split peas typically take 30 to 45 minutes to cook on the stovetop when simmered in water or broth. The cooking time can vary depending on the type of split peas and whether you soak them before cooking. Yellow split peas tend to cook faster than green ones.
Are Split Peas A Good Source Of Protein For Vegetarians?
Yes, split peas are an excellent source of plant-based protein. A one-cup serving of cooked split peas provides around 16 grams of protein, making them a valuable addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Can I Use Dried Split Peas In A Split Pea Vegetarian Recipe?
Yes, dried split peas are commonly used in vegetarian recipes. They need to be rinsed and optionally soaked for a few hours or overnight before cooking, though some recipes allow for cooking them directly without soaking.
What Vegetables Pair Well With Split Peas In A Vegetarian Recipe?
Common vegetables that pair well with split peas in vegetarian recipes include carrots, onions, celery, garlic, potatoes, and spinach. You can also add tomatoes, leeks, or bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Can I Make A Split Pea Vegetarian Recipe In A Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make split pea soup in a slow cooker. Add the rinsed split peas, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the peas are tender.
How Can I Thicken My Split Pea Soup?
To thicken split pea soup, you can blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or a regular blender. Alternatively, you can add mashed potatoes or pureed vegetables to give the soup a thicker, creamier texture.
Is Split Pea Vegetarian Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, split pea soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you avoid adding any gluten-containing ingredients. Use gluten-free broth or avoid store-bought broths that might contain gluten.
Can I Add Other Legumes To A Split Pea Vegetarian Recipe?
Yes, you can combine split peas with other legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, or beans in a vegetarian recipe. Just be mindful of cooking times, as some legumes may require longer to cook than split peas.