Split Pea Soup Recipe

This nutrient-loaded split pea soup is bursting at the seams with vitamins and minerals. 

Lovely and filling, this budget-friendly plant-based soup is a simple to make, yet loaded with goodness. 

If you love soups, try my pretty purple cauliflower soup, or my creamy cherry tomato soup.

Why you’ll love this split pea soup

• Nutritious: Split pea soup is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Affordable: Split peas are an inexpensive ingredient, making this soup recipe a cost-effective meal option.
• Easy to make: Split pea soup is a simple recipe that requires minimal effort and can be prepared in a relatively short amount of time.
• Versatile: This soup can be customized to suit individual tastes by adding different herbs, spices, and vegetables.
• Hearty and filling: Split pea soup is a satisfying and filling meal that can help keep you feeling full for longer.
• Good for leftovers: Split pea soup can be refrigerated or frozen and reheated easily, making it a great option for meal prep or leftover meals.

Split Pea Soup Ingredients and substitution notes

• Yellow Onion: A common ingredient in split pea soup and provides a sweet and savory flavor. If you don’t have yellow onions, you can use white onions or shallots instead.
• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that adds a rich flavor to the soup. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use another vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower oil.
• Garlic Clove: Adds a pungent, savory taste to the soup. If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder.
• Dried Thyme, Marjoram and Oregano: These herbs add a savory, earthy flavor to the soup. If you don’t have one of these herbs, you can use dried basil instead.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, herbal flavor to the soup. If you don’t have bay leaves, you can omit them or use a small amount of dried basil or thyme instead.
• Cayenne: Brings a spicy kick to the soup. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit the cayenne or use a small amount of paprika instead.
• Vegetable stock: Provides the base for the soup and adds a savory flavor. If you don’t have vegetable broth, you can use water and add some vegetable bouillon to enhance the flavor.
• Carrots: Sweet and earthy in this soup and also provide a pop of color. If you don’t have carrots, you can use parsnips instead.
• Potato: This starchy veggie brings a creamy texture to the soup and helps thicken it.
• Dried Split Peas: Pre-soak in water for 4-6 hours or overnight.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a lovely bright green pop!

Top tips

• Soak the split peas: Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can help them cook faster and more evenly.
• For a greener and more appetizing color, blend 1/2 cup fresh spinach with a little of the soup broth and then add to the soup.  You will be amazed at the color difference.
• Remember to remove the bay leaf and discard before serving.  It is also a good idea to rinse the split peas thoroughly before adding to the soup
• Simmer slowly: Simmer the soup slowly for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. This can help the flavors meld together and allow the split peas to fully cook and break down.
• Blend or not: Depending on your preference, you can blend the soup with an immersion blender or leave it chunky. Blending the soup can help create a creamy texture and make it more appealing to picky eaters.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. This may include adding more salt or other spices to suit your taste

Make ahead of instructions and storage

Make-ahead instructions:

Split pea soup is a great make-ahead dish as it can be stored in the refrigerator for several days or frozen for longer-term storage. Here’s how to make and store split pea soup ahead of time:

Prepare the soup as directed, but allow it to cool to room temperature before storing.

Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container or several smaller containers if you prefer. Leave some space at the top of the container for the soup to expand as it freezes.

Label the container with the date and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Storage instructions:

To store split pea soup, follow these guidelines:

If storing in the refrigerator, transfer the soup to an airtight container or cover the pot with a lid or plastic wrap. The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If storing in the freezer, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

To prevent the soup from becoming too thick when reheating, you may need to add some additional liquid like water or vegetable stock. Adjust the seasoning as necessary before serving.

Split Pea Soup Serving suggestions 

I love to serve a pot of this soup with a bowl of my vegan garlic knots or my garlic and rosemary Dutch oven bread.

FAQs

How long does it take to cook split pea soup?

Split pea soup typically takes 1-2 hours to cook, depending on the method and whether or not you soaked the peas beforehand. 

Simmering the soup slowly for a longer period can help the flavors meld together and allow the split peas to fully break down.

Can I make split pea soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! To make split pea soup in a slow cooker, simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. Be sure to soak the split peas beforehand to ensure they cook evenly.

How do I thicken split pea soup?

Split pea soup naturally thickens as it cooks and the split peas break down. If you want a thicker soup, you can blend some of the soup with an immersion blender or add a roux made from vegan butter and flour.

How do I make split pea soup less salty?

If your soup is too salty, try adding a peeled potato or two to the soup and simmering until the potato is cooked through. The potato will absorb some of the salt and can be removed before serving.

Wrapping it up 

Split pea soup is a versatile, nutritious, and delicious dish that can be enjoyed year-round. 

With its hearty texture, savory flavor, and endless customization options, it’s no wonder this soup has been a comfort food for generations. 

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