Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (2024)

January 9, 2022 | 124 Comments

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This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe is robustly seasoned and richly flavored — trust me, you won’t be missing the ham! With loads of veggies and tender creamy split green peas, this soup is the perfect canvas for dipping a hunk of crusty bread.

Prefer to make Split Pea Soup with ham instead? Try our original Split Pea Soup recipe that uses leftover ham bone or ham hocks.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (1)

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

Split pea soup is known for using a ham bone to deliver a richly flavored broth and then having plenty of shredded ham in each bite of soup. But when my vegetarian sister requested a meat-free version of split pea soup that could still taste as rich and indulgent without ham, I was definitely up for the challenge.

In the weeks of testing this soup, I found the main thing a vegetarian version needs: salt. I know, nothing groundbreaking here, but ham adds so much salt to a regular split pea soup, that when leaving it out, there is a need for quite a bit more. Not only do we add a good amount of salt to this soup, but we also add a robustly salted vegetable stock. These two additions make the flavors in this soup so vibrant that you may find you aren’t missing the ham after all!

Beyond the salt, we add a bit more olive oil to help replicate the richness that a ham bone adds to the broth. A touch of lemon zest and juice adds a kick of acidity, freshness, and additional vibrancy. And finally, we add a few additional seasonings you might not find in a typical split pea soup, but they truly seal the deal here — this is the best vegetarian split pea soup!

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (2)

QUICK TIP

It might seem like this soup is missing out on protein, but split peas are an incredible source of plant-based protein! In 1 cup of uncooked split peas, there are 48 grams of protein — woah!

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (3)

What Are Split Peas?

Green split peas are simply dried peas that have been cut in half (hence the “split” part of the name). This means they’ll cook a lot faster and don’t need to soak overnight. Green peas naturally have two halves, so the splitting takes place naturally during the drying process.

Split peas absorb the surrounding flavors of a dish, making them a great canvas for a recipe. They do have a slightly earthy flavor with a subtle sweetness (just like sweet green peas do).

When they are cooked for a long period of time (like in this recipe), they become very tender resulting in a creamy texture that also nicely thickens the soup.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (4)

QUICK TIP

Any split peas will work, but in our testing, we preferred Bob’s Red Mill®! (Not sponsored)

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (5)

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Serving Suggestions

There is nothing quite like some crusty warm bread for dunking in this soup! Add some softened butter on some warmed bread and go to town. Otherwise, some croutons (homemade or store-bought) topping this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup would also be nice.

As far as other sides go, this Caesar Salad, Garden Salad, or Italian Salad would all be nice complementary additions to the dinner table.

If you’d like some more protein, serve some roasted chickpeas on the side.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (6)

Split Pea Soup Notes

  • The cooking time can vary a lot, depending on a few factors including the pot you’re cooking the soup in, the actual temperature of the stovetop, the specific split peas you’re using, and personal preference. If you’d like the peas to have more of a bite to them, err on the side of less time. For ultra-creamy peas that practically disintegrate, you’ll be on the upper-end, time-wise.
  • How tender should the peas be? The peas only need to be cooked until they’re tender, but if you prefer a creamier/smoother texture, continue cooking until the peas soften and begin to fall apart. If the soup seems too thick, add in some water/broth and remove from heat. (You can always put the pot back on the heat if you decide you want the peas more tender or for the soup to be thicker).
  • We recommend a pot with a heavy bottom: That way, you won’t need to be as concerned with the split peas scorching on the bottom (which they have a tendency to do!)
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (7)

QUICK TIP

Unfortunately, split peas do not have an indefinite shelf life and old split peas won’t soften properly. As the split peas age, they will dry out and take a lot longer (and require more liquid) to properly soften. Check the color — if they are pale, they’re probably old.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (8)

STORAGE

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Storage

  • How to reheat: This soup stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. To reheat, add the soup to a small pot and heat over low heat until warmed to desired preference. Or reheat in the microwave (make sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter!). It does thicken as it stores, so you’ll need to add in some additional vegetable stock to thin.
  • Freezing: Vegetarian Split Pea Soup will freeze well for up to 2 to 3 months.Here are some best methods for thawing frozen soup.

More vegetarian soup recipes

  • White Bean Soupwith fresh basil pesto
  • Healthy Minestrone Soupwith quinoa
  • Creamy Vegetable Soupwith loads of veggies
  • Vegetarian Chiliwith beans and veggies
  • Broccoli Cheddar Soupwith shredded carrots

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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

5 from 70 votes

- Review this recipe

This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe is robustly seasoned and richly flavored -- trust me, you won't be missing the ham! With loads of veggies and tender creamy split green peas, this soup is the perfect canvas for dipping a hunk of crusty bread.

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (9)

Print Recipe

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (10)

5 from 70 votes

- Review this recipe

Print Recipe

This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe is robustly seasoned and richly flavored -- trust me, you won't be missing the ham! With loads of veggies and tender creamy split green peas, this soup is the perfect canvas for dipping a hunk of crusty bread.

Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup, Vegetarian

Cuisine American, Healthy, Vegetarian

Keyword split pea soup, Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 2 hours hours

Servings 6 servings

Chelsea Lords

Calories 206kcal

Author Chelsea Lords

Cost $6.12

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cups finely diced yellow onion (~2 medium onions)
  • 1-1/2 cups finely diced carrot (~4 carrots)
  • 1-1/2 cups finely diced celery (~4 stalks)
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic (~4 cloves)
  • Fine sea salt & pepper
  • 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1-1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 containers (32 oz. EACH) good quality vegetable stock (we love Swanson) (8 cups)
  • 1-1/2 cups green split peas Note 1
  • 2 bay leaves (dry)
  • Optional, but recommended: zest & juice of 1 lemon, crusty bread for dipping, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or thyme

US - Metric

Instructions

  • VEGGIES AND SPLIT PEAS: In a large (5.5 quart or larger) heavy-bottomed pot, over medium heat, add olive oil. Add onion, carrot, celery, and salt/pepper to taste (I add 2 tsp fine sea salt and 1 tsp pepper). Cook until vegetables are softened and onion is beginning to turn golden, 7-9 minutes. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, cumin, thyme, red pepper flakes, and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.

  • COOK: Add in rinsed split peas and bay leaves. Pour in vegetable stock. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered, for 60-90 minutes (Note 2), stirring occasionally so the peas don't catch on the bottom of the pot. The soup should be ever so slightly bubbling at the edges, but not rapidly boiling or bubbling. Cook until split peas are cooked down and soup is thickened to desired consistency. (You'll want to stir a bit more frequently as the soup begins to thicken. Add a splash more broth if it gets too thick for your preference.)

  • BLEND: When ready to serve, remove and discard bay leaves. Remove 2 cups of the soup and blend until completely smooth (Note 3). Return blended puree to the soup and mix through. Add in 1 teaspoon lemon zest and 2 tablespoons lemon juice if using. Taste and season, adding additional salt/pepper as needed (I typically add another 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper).

  • SERVE: Ladle soup into bowls and serve with buttered crusty bread, a sprinkle of cracked pepper, and fresh parsley or thyme if using. Add grated Parmesan cheese to individual bowls if desired. Enjoy!

  • STORAGE: This soup stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. To reheat, add the soup to a small pot and heat over low heat until warmed to desired preference. Or reheat in the microwave (make sure to cover it so it doesn’t splatter!) It does thicken as it stores, so you'll need to add in some additional vegetable stock to thin. Freezing: Soup will freeze well for up to 2-3 months.Here are some best methods for thawing frozen soup.

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Split peas: Be sure to use fairly fresh split peas for this soup! Old split peas can be dried out and may not soften in the soup. Rinse in a mesh sieve and pick through for any debris before using.

Note 2: Cooking time: The cooking time can vary a bit, depending on a few factors, including the pot you're cooking the soup in, the actual temperature of the stovetop, the specific split peas you're using, and personal preference. Cook until split peas are tender. (If peas aren't getting tender, you may need to increase the heat slightly.) How tender should the peas be? The peas only need to be cooked until they're tender to the bite, but if you prefer a creamier/smoother texture, continue cooking until the peas soften and begin to fall apart. Err on the cautious side; if the soup seems too thick, add in some water/broth and remove from heat. (You can always put the pot back on the heat if you decide you want the peas more tender or the soup thicker.)

Note 3: Blending: Be sure to remove the center knob from the blender lid and replace that with a clean kitchen towel to avoid splatters. The blender needs to be able to release steam!

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 206kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 340mg | Potassium: 444mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 3611IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

We do our best to provide accurate nutritional analysis for our recipes. Our nutritional data is calculated using a third-party algorithm and may vary, based on individual cooking styles, measurements, and ingredient sizes. Please use this information for comparison purposes and consult a health professional for nutrition guidance as needed.

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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you add flavor to a bland split pea soup? ›

Using onions, garlic, and fresh spices like thyme will add flavor to the soup. The real trick to making a bland pea soup extra tasty is using a bone or ham hock in the soup during the cooking process. Chicken broth will also add flavor to the soup.

What is the difference between split pea soup and pea soup? ›

Pea Variety: The main difference lies in the type of peas used. Split pea soup is typically made from dried split peas, while green pea soup is made from fresh or frozen green peas. Texture: Split pea soup has a thicker and heartier texture compared to green pea soup.

Why do you soak split peas before cooking? ›

Split peas are an excellent source of protein, folate, and fiber. Add some vegetables and a few thick slices of bread for dunking, and you've got a deeply satisfying meal that's low in fat and high in nutrition. Get recipes for split pea soup. It's true, soaking peas overnight in water shortens their cooking time.

What makes split pea soup taste better? ›

Add a bit of lemon zest to make those peas really sing. You can try the fresh pea approach with your favorite split pea soup recipe, but this super traditional, easy version is an Epicurious favorite.

How do you add depth of flavor to soup? ›

"If your broth is lacking in savory richness, try adding roasted onion, tomato paste, mushrooms, seaweed, soy sauce, or miso. These ingredients add umami flavor and depth to broth," she says. The choice of ingredient depends on the recipe, though.

Should split pea soup be thin or thick? ›

The potato should make your split pea soup perfectly thick and creamy. However, if the soup is still too thin for your liking, you can thicken it up with full-fat cream (though it may alter the flavor a bit) or a cornstarch slurry.

What are the white things in split pea soup? ›

Very likely the embryo of the peas! Each side of the pea is an endosperm, like the white of an egg. These are probably just left over embryos of the peas, or the yolk, if you will.

Why did my split pea soup get so thick? ›

The starches and the gelatin will form a mesh when cooling, so the consistency of the pea-soup will always be thick when cold. On heating, do what Mien advised: add some water or broth to the soup to the consistency that you want.

What can you use to thicken split pea soup? ›

Cornstarch and arrowroot powder are often used as thickening agents in cooking. To thicken split pea soup using either of these, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or arrowroot powder with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering soup while stirring continuously.

How do you reduce gas in split pea soup? ›

How do you make pea soup not gassy? Using Ayurvedic cooking methods, rinsing and soaking your peas before cooking, and eating them in a balanced meal help make pea soup not gassy.

What is a substitute for ham hocks in split pea soup? ›

Luckily, there is an option that is just as accessible as ham hock, which can be found in nearly any supermarket. Smoked turkey meat, sold generally as legs or wings, is a worthy substitute for ham hocks, providing a comparable level of savory meatiness and smokiness.

What happens if you don't soak split peas? ›

Peas cook faster than beans, and - like beans - they don't have to be soaked at all, but not soaking affects the cooking time. An hour or two of soaking is plenty for whole green or yellow peas…they don't need to go overnight like beans typically do.

How do you fix bland pea soup? ›

The common denominator will probably be meat (ham bones are common), more salt, and pepper to taste. If you want to take a shortcut, you could use bouillon cubes or paste to provide both meaty flavor and salt, though pork is a lot harder to find than chicken or beef. Salt and pepper you can just stir in.

How do I fix bland tasting soup? ›

Perk up a Bland Soup With Simple Pantry Staples

Add a splash of vinegar (any kind!), or a squeeze of citrus. Chances are, you could use a little more salt. Go ahead—it's ok. Salt perks up flat flavors and helps balance out bitter-tasting ingredients.

How to jazz up pea soup? ›

Onion, lots of garlic, bay leaves, oregano and thyme make this soup taste amazing. We recommend using fresh thyme for the best taste.

How do you rescue bland soup? ›

If a soup is tasting bland in the bowl, consider adding acid rather than salt. A squeeze of lemon or lime, or a dash of yogurt or sour cream can add brightness to the bowl. Our Lemony Chicken Soup will make your mouth water.

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