Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These are the main ingredient, providing a creamy texture and protein.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall taste with its pungent aroma.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.

Celery: Provides a subtle, earthy flavor and crunch.

Olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables, adding a rich flavor.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base of the soup, adding depth and flavor.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds a warm, aromatic note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

When sautéing the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil, ensure you cook them until they are just beginning to caramelize. This will deepen the flavor profile of your soup and add a subtle sweetness that complements the earthiness of the split peas.

• Split peas - Substitute with lentils: Lentils cook faster and provide a similar texture and protein content.

• Onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks offer a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• Garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other vegetables.

• Carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a sweet, nutty flavor that can add depth to the soup.

• Celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel adds a slight anise flavor, which can bring a unique twist to the soup.

• Olive oil - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil adds a subtle richness and can withstand high cooking temperatures.

• Vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth provides a deep, umami flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

• Dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary offers a robust, pine-like flavor that can add complexity to the soup.

• Salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• Black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a milder heat and a slightly different flavor profile that can complement the soup.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.
• Transfer the split pea soup into airtight containers. For easy portioning, consider using individual serving-sized containers.
• 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 soup will maintain its flavor and texture during this period.
• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
• When ready to reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's consistency.
• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the soup in the microwave. Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
• Adjust seasoning after reheating if necessary. Sometimes, flavors can mellow during storage, so a pinch of salt or pepper might be needed to refresh the taste.

• Stovetop Method: Place the leftover vegan split pea soup in a pot. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

• Microwave Method: Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments 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, until the soup is thoroughly warmed. This method is great for reheating large quantities.

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

• Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom pot of a double boiler with water and bring to a simmer. Place the soup in the top pot and heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This gentle method helps prevent the soup from sticking or burning.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup, providing enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is perfect for stirring the vegetables and split peas without scratching the pot.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is needed to chop the onions, carrots, and celery efficiently.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a safe and clean surface for chopping all the vegetables.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to accurately measure the split peas and vegetable broth.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons ensure precise measurement of the thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Garlic press: A garlic press makes mincing the garlic quick and easy.

• Ladle: A ladle is useful for serving the hot soup into bowls.

• Timer: A timer helps keep track of the cooking time, ensuring the peas are tender after simmering for about an hour.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge to save time on cooking day.

Use a food processor: Quickly mince the garlic and chop the vegetables using a food processor.

Rinse split peas ahead: Rinse and sort the split peas the night before to streamline your prep.

Batch cook: Make a double batch of soup and freeze half for an easy meal later.

Instant pot option: Use an Instant Pot to cut down the cooking time significantly.