Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

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Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

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Prep

10 minutes

Cook

35 minutes

Yield

4 -5

This super simple Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is easy to whip up and is one of the best soups for filling you up thanks to the help of the split peas (or lentils)!

I just find soup one of the most comforting meals. However, not all soup is equal. For me, in order for a soup to really fill me up and serve as a full meal that keeps me full for longer than an hour or two, I need to make sure it’s loaded with plant-based proteins to keep me going. That’s why I love this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup because it’s just that. Super filling, healthy, easy, and delicious!

vegan split pea soup sitting on countertop with a spoon in the bowl.

Vegan Split Pea Soup sitting in white bowl on countertop surrounded by ingredients.

Why you’ll love this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup 

  • It’s easy to make and only takes 45 minutes to pull together
  • It’s hardy and filling 
  • It can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry 
  • It’s budget-friendly 
  • Did I mention it’s damn delicious? 

Ingredients on countertop with cutting board.

How do you make Split Pea Soup? 

I promised an easy recipe, and like always, I’m giving you just that. Here are the simple steps you need to follow to pull off this yummy soup:

  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil before adding the onions to cook down until translucent 
  2. To the pot, add the garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook these bad boys down for another 5 minutes with the lid on!
  3. Increase your heart and add salt, pepper, thyme, stock paste, split peas, vegan “ham”, tofu, and bay leaves 
  4. Stir everything together and cook down for a few minutes until the carrots are tender 
  5. Increase heat to high and add water, bringing soup to a boil
  6. Simmer for 20 minutes until split peas are perfectly tender

I like to serve this soup with fresh lemon, thyme, and red chili flakes for a kick of spice!

Vegan Split Pea Soup sitting on counter in big white bowl.

Tip: Don’t have split peas?

Substitute for lentils!

What are the health benefits of split peas? 

Split peas are really the star ingredient here, but like I said, you can also use lentils which are also fantastic and loaded with health benefits. But let’s talk a bit about the benefits of split peas:

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  • They are healthy calories 
  • They’re rich in protein, but not fat
  • Rich in carbs and fiber which helps give your body a source of energy
  • High in vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A & B, potassium, and magnesium 

Vegan ham sitting on counter with tofu ready to be put into vegan soup.

What is vegan ham? 

Traditionally Split Pea Soup is not vegan as it has ham in it. For this recipe, I used a vegan ham substitute instead. There are several brands that make plant-based hams, ranging from deli slices to full-on roasts. For this recipe, I used Yves who make their ham products from tofu, but any brand will work. Usually, vegan ham is made with spices like liquid smoke to help give you that flavour you would normally get in a soup like this from meat products. Adding the smoked tofu in this recipe also really allows you to get that authentic flavour in this soup.

Close-up of a big bowl of vegan split pea soup

This soup recipe is perfect if you’re on a budget, if you want to meal prep for the week, want to put together a healthy meal but have limited ingredients on hand, the list goes on. I think it’s so dang delicious and I want to hear what you think to when you try it, so please share your comments and reviews in the comments!

Other soup recipes you’ll love: 

Vegetarian Split Pea Soup

5 from 5 votes
This super simple Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is easy to whip up and is one of the best soups for filling you up thanks to the help of the split peas (or lentils)!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Soup, Budget friendly, Kid Friendly
Cuisine Vegan, Vegetarian
Servings 4 -5

Ingredients
  

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Instructions
 

  • To a large pot, heat the olive oil for 30 seconds before adding the onion.  Cook down for 5 minutes on low heat.  You do not want your onions to brown too much, so keep a close eye on them and stir often.
  • To the pot, add the minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Cook them for 5 minutes with the lid on stirring often to avoid burning.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and add the sea salt, pepper, thyme, stock paste, splits peas, "ham", tofu and bay leaves to the pot. Stir till every ingredient is well coated with vegetable stock paste and seasonings. Cook down for 3-4 minutes before checking carrots for tenderness.  If fork-tender, increase heat to high and add water. If not, cook for another 3-4 minutes or until soft! Then, bring the soup to a boil then simmer for 20 minutes or until split peas are perfectly tender.
  • Serve with fresh lemon, thyme and red chili flakes.

Notes

I would recommend soaking the split peas in water for 4 hours before cooking. Strain and drain from soaking water then cook for 20 minutes before adding to the soup.
You can use lentils if you don't have access to split peas.
If you do not have a vegetable stock paste, simply use vegetable stock and substitute it for the boiling water.  Add as much as you desire.  More for a more brothy soup, less for a thicker, heartier, stew-like soup!
Review This Recipe Let us know how it was!
Kathy

I haven’t tried this recipe yet but want to! I do have a question about par-cooking the split peas. The recipe said this would be in the notes but I don’t see it. thanks

Maria Koutsogiannis

Hey! So it was just that you can use Lentils if you don’t have split peas! I would recommend soaking the split peas for 4 hours before cooking. Strain and drain then cook for 20 minutes before adding to the soup.

Alexa

5 stars
Never been a fan of this style of soup, but this recipe completely changed that for me! Love this one!

Maria Koutsogiannis

YESSS!! This soup is seriously so good!

Lauren

5 stars
So yummy and comforting. I swapped the split peas for lentils as I’m not a fan of split peas! Still so yummy though!

Maria Koutsogiannis

Yes, this makes me so happy. Thanks for letting us know!

Elisa

5 stars
Another delicious soup! Thank you the whole family loved it

Maria Koutsogiannis

You’re so welcome!! Thanks for the love!

Gloria

5 stars
Yum, this is so good and perfect for spring!

Maria Koutsogiannis

It’s so incredibly delicious!

Stephanie Katz

5 stars
We made this for dinner last night and it was seriously amazing! So easy and quick to put together. I am going to try it with Lentils next time!

Maria Koutsogiannis

So glad you enjoyed this soul, Stephanie! Thank you so much for the love!

5 from 5 votes

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