4.95 14 Published Feb 28, 2022, Updated Nov 10, 2023 Traditional split pea soup is typically made with ham slices, ham hock or ham bone, but I’m not a huge ham person, so I decided to make a vegan version with smoked paprika and tamari, which gives this soup a nice smoky, rich flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Split Pea Soup Recipe
It’s packed full of flavor, fiber and protein. It’s a one pot meal. Yay for minimal dishes! Great for meal prep – make one batch and enjoy this healthy soup all week long!
Split Pea Nutrition
Peas are an excellent legume to add to your diet! Yep, you read correctly… despite what most people think, peas are actually a legume and not a vegetable. They fall into the same category as lentils, chickpeas and even peanuts! However, most often peas are categorized as a starchy vegetable, similar to corn and potatoes. Split peas pack a nutritional punch! They have a higher protein content at 8 grams per half cup serving and a high fiber content at 16 grams of dietary fiber per serving. Plus, you’ll find vitamins A, K and C, thiamine, folate, manganese, iron, potassium and phosphorus in peas! (source)
Ingredients Needed
green split peas – the star of the show! For this recipe we’re using a 1 pound bag of dry split peas, which you can find in the dry bean aisle at your grocery store. If you can’t find green split peas, yellow split peas will also work. Yellow split peas have a more earthy flavor than green split peas. olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables. You can also use ghee or vegan butter. yellow onion, celery, carrots, and garlic – the fresh veggies we’re using to pack in flavor and nutrients. seasonings and spices – bay leaves, black pepper, sea salt, thyme, oregano, and paprika. vegetable broth – I recommend using low sodium so you can control the saltiness of the soup. You can also use chicken broth if you don’t need this recipe to be vegan. tamari – since we’re skipping the meat, the tamari adds a nice rich, umami flavor to this soup! Soy sauce or coconut aminos will also work. Use gluten-free tamari if necessary! fresh lemon juice – I recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. A splash of lemon juice adds a necessary acidity to the soup that brightens the rest of the flavors. optional toppings – cracked pepper, parmesan (try my hemp parmesan for a vegan option), and fresh parsley.
How to Make Split Soup
Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat on your stove top. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots and garlic to the pot. Stirring occasionally until onions become translucent and everything begins to soften about 5-7 minutes. Add remaining ingredients: Add bay leaves, pepper, salt, thyme, oregano, paprika and split peas. Stirring constantly for an additional minute. Then add vegetable broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover and cook until peas are tender about 60 minutes. Then stir in tamari and lemon juice. Serve: Divide into bowls and top with parmesan cheese, cracked pepper and fresh parsley (if using).
How to Serve
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can never go wrong with toppings and a side! Here are some suggestions:
Toppings: parmesan cheese (vegan if needed), fresh parsley, croutons, roasted chickpeas or crumbled tempeh bacon. Sides: toasted sourdough bread, almond flour crackers or this simple kale salad.
How to Store Leftovers
This soup is a great meal prep recipe. I like to make a batch over the weekend so I have easy lunches and dinners ready to go for the week. Allow the soup to cool completely and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
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