Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor and helping to soften them.

Onion: Adds a foundational flavor to the soup, providing a slight sweetness and depth.

Carrots: Contributes a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.

Celery: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor and a bit of crunch to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthiness and a slightly minty flavor.

Smoked paprika: Gives the soup a smoky depth and a touch of warmth.

Bay leaf: Infuses the soup with a subtle, herbal flavor.

Dried split peas: The main ingredient, providing a creamy texture and a hearty base.

Vegetable broth: Adds a rich, savory flavor and serves as the liquid base for the soup.

Salt and pepper: Used to season the soup to taste, enhancing all the other flavors.

When sautéing the onion, carrots, and celery in the olive oil, make sure to cook them until they are just starting to caramelize. This will enhance the depth of flavor in your soup by adding a subtle sweetness and complexity. Additionally, when adding the garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter. Stir constantly for that minute to ensure even cooking and to release the essential oils from the spices, which will infuse the soup with a rich, aromatic base.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a similar fat content and can add a subtle flavor that complements the soup.

• Onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks offer a milder, slightly sweet flavor that works well in soups.

• Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a similar texture and a slightly sweeter taste, making them a good alternative.

• Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and a slightly anise-like flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, more nuanced flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Oregano has a robust flavor that can stand in for thyme in most recipes.

• Smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can provide a similar color and mild flavor, though it lacks the smokiness.

• Bay leaf - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil can add a different but complementary herbal note to the soup.

• Dried split peas - Substitute with green lentils: Green lentils have a similar texture and cook time, making them a good alternative.

• Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth can add a rich, umami flavor that enhances the soup.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty, umami flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and complexity to the soup.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.

• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. For easy portion control, consider using individual serving-sized containers. This makes reheating a breeze.

• Label each container with the date. This ensures you keep track of freshness and consume the soup within a safe timeframe.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The split pea soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its hearty flavor and creamy texture.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's consistency.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

• If you notice any separation or changes in texture after freezing, a quick stir or a brief blend with an immersion blender can restore its creamy consistency.

• Enjoy your Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

• Stovetop Method: Pour the leftover soup into a pot and heat over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Heat until the soup is steaming hot, about 5-10 minutes.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the soup is hot throughout.

• Instant Pot Method: Pour the leftover soup back into the Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to reheat the soup, stirring occasionally. This method allows you to control the heat and prevent burning. Heat until the soup reaches the desired temperature.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the soup is hot.

• Slow Cooker Method: Pour the leftover soup into a slow cooker. Set to low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is great for reheating large batches and keeping the soup warm for extended periods.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking device used to sauté the vegetables and cook the soup under high pressure.

• Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables to enhance their flavor.

• Knife: Essential for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery, as well as mincing the garlic.

• Cutting board: Provides a safe and stable surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the olive oil, dried thyme, and smoked paprika accurately.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the vegetable broth and ensure the correct liquid-to-pea ratio.

• Wooden spoon: Useful for stirring the vegetables and soup ingredients in the Instant Pot.

• Ladle: Handy for serving the hot soup into bowls once it's ready.

• Bowls: Used for serving the finished soup.

• Tongs: Useful for removing the bay leaf from the soup before serving.

• Timer: Helps keep track of the sautéing time and the natural pressure release time.

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery the night before to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for jarred minced garlic to skip the peeling and chopping.

Rinse split peas ahead: Rinse and drain the split peas in advance to streamline the cooking process.

Batch cook and freeze: Make a double batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Instant pot shortcuts: Use the sauté mode to soften vegetables quickly before adding other ingredients.