There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s brimming with nutrition and flavor. Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is one of those classic comfort foods that not only soothes the soul but also packs in a ton of health benefits. And when you prepare it in an Instant Pot, it takes the whole experience to another level of convenience and flavor. The best part? You don’t need to worry about hours of simmering to get the rich, savory taste. The Instant Pot does all the work, making this dish a perfect weeknight or weekend meal.
If you’re a fan of hearty soups that are easy to make and packed with protein, fiber, and veggies, this recipe will definitely hit the mark. Plus, it’s naturally vegan and can be customized to suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you’re new to cooking or just looking for a quick and delicious recipe, you’ll find that making this soup is as easy as pressing a button!
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Instant Pot Recipe
If you’ve never tried split pea soup before, you’re in for a treat. It’s made with split peas, which are a variety of dried peas that have been split in half. They’re inexpensive, versatile, and incredibly nutritious. The Instant Pot method makes this recipe super easy and hands-off, delivering perfectly tender peas and a thick, flavorful broth in no time.
Ingredients Needed
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need. Don’t worry-this list is short, sweet, and packed with good-for-you ingredients.
- Dried Split Peas (Green or Yellow): The main star of the soup, these peas break down into a thick, creamy base that’s hearty and filling.
- Vegetable Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base. You can use homemade or store-bought broth, but make sure it’s vegetarian if you’re keeping it plant-based.
- Carrots: Adds sweetness and texture to the soup. Chopped or diced, they soften nicely in the Instant Pot.
- Celery: A classic ingredient in soups, it offers a light, refreshing crunch and earthy flavor.
- Onions: A must for building depth of flavor. Dice them finely so they cook down and meld into the soup.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic add a savory, aromatic punch.
- Bay Leaves: These enhance the broth with a subtle herbal flavor.
- Thyme: A perfect herb that works wonderfully with peas. It brings earthiness without overpowering the soup.
- Turmeric (Optional): Adds a golden color and earthy flavor with anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s optional, but it’s a great addition.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. It brings richness to the broth.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning-always adjust to taste, and make sure to season well at the end.
Cooking Instructions
Now, the fun begins. The Instant Pot will be your best friend in this recipe. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Rinse the dried split peas in a colander under cold water. Chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Set everything aside.
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Sauté The Veggies
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the ’Sauté’ function. Add olive oil to the pot.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Stir occasionally and sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. Sauté for another minute, allowing the garlic to release its fragrance.
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Add The Split Peas And Broth
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, turmeric (if using), and vegetable broth. Mix everything well, ensuring the peas are fully submerged in the liquid.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pressure Cook The Soup
- Close the Instant Pot lid, ensuring the valve is set to “Sealing”.
- Set the Instant Pot to ’Manual’ or ’Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, let the pressure naturally release for about 10 minutes before switching the valve to ’Venting’ to release any remaining steam.
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Finish The Soup
- Open the lid and give the soup a good stir. The peas should have broken down, creating a creamy texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use an immersion blender to purée it further. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, and if desired, top with fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Let’s take a closer look at the nutritional powerhouses that make this soup not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing.
- Split Peas: Rich in plant-based protein and fiber, split peas are great for digestive health, keeping you full for longer, and supporting muscle repair. They’re also high in iron, which is essential for transporting oxygen throughout your body.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables are rich in antioxidants like vitamin A (from carrots), which supports eye health, and vitamin K (from celery), which plays a key role in blood clotting and bone health.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: Both herbs contain essential oils that have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, adding not just flavor, but health benefits, too.
- Olive Oil: This healthy fat is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and help reduce inflammation.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Skip Rinsing the Peas: While most dried legumes don’t require rinsing, split peas often have dust or debris that can affect the texture and taste. Rinsing helps prevent this.
- Customize the Texture: If you like a chunkier soup, you can skip using the immersion blender. For a creamier texture, blend the soup until smooth.
- Soak the Split Peas (Optional): Soaking split peas is not necessary for Instant Pot cooking, but if you want to reduce cook time even further or have digestive concerns, you can soak them for a few hours before cooking.
- Add More Vegetables: Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like potatoes, spinach, or zucchini. The Instant Pot can handle the extra ingredients, and it’ll only enhance the soup’s richness.
Recipe Variations
- Add Smokiness: For a smoky flavor, toss in a bit of smoked paprika or a small piece of smoked tofu. The Instant Pot will infuse the broth with a deep, smoky undertone.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy Version: Stir in some coconut milk or a splash of cashew cream after cooking to make the soup extra creamy and comforting.
- Herbaceous Twist: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or even a pinch of saffron for a unique flavor profile.
Final Words
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is an undeniably satisfying dish that balances hearty vegetables, split peas, and aromatic herbs to create a wonderfully rich and nourishing bowl of soup. The Instant Pot brings this dish together quickly and with minimal effort, so you can enjoy a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, this soup is versatile, filling, and comforting, making it a great addition to any meal plan.
FAQs
What Ingredients Do I Need To Make Vegetarian Split Pea Soup In The Instant Pot?
To make vegetarian split pea soup in the Instant Pot, you’ll need split peas, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, and salt and pepper to taste. You may also add additional seasonings like smoked paprika or cumin for extra flavor.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Vegetarian Split Pea Soup In An Instant Pot?
It takes approximately 15-20 minutes of cook time on high pressure, with an additional 10 minutes for natural pressure release. The total time will depend on your Instant Pot model and the time it takes to come to pressure.
Can I Use Dried Split Peas For This Instant Pot Soup Recipe?
Yes, dried split peas are the primary ingredient in this recipe. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the Instant Pot to remove any debris or impurities.
Do I Need To Soak Split Peas Before Cooking In The Instant Pot?
No, soaking split peas is not necessary when using an Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process allows the split peas to cook fully without prior soaking.
Can I Add Other Vegetables To The Vegetarian Split Pea Soup?
Yes, you can customize the soup by adding vegetables like potatoes, zucchini, spinach, or leeks. Just ensure they are cut into uniform pieces to allow for even cooking.
What Type Of Vegetable Broth Should I Use For The Soup?
You can use any store-bought or homemade vegetable broth. If you’re looking for a more robust flavor, opt for low-sodium or organic vegetable broth. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a dash of miso paste.
Can I Make This Soup Gluten-free?
Yes, the vegetarian split pea soup is naturally gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free vegetable broth. Ensure that any additional seasonings or ingredients like bouillon cubes are also gluten-free.
Can I Use Frozen Split Peas In The Instant Pot Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen split peas in the Instant Pot. The cooking time remains the same as with dried split peas, but make sure they are properly rinsed before adding them to the pot.
How Do I Thicken The Soup If It’s Too Thin?
If the soup is too thin, you can use an immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup to a creamy consistency, or you can add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water to thicken it. Alternatively, you can cook the soup for a few more minutes with the lid off to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
How Can I Store And Reheat Leftovers Of The Split Pea Soup?
Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.