Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup. This recipe has been a favorite in my home for years, especially during chilly winter nights. It’s loaded with nourishing ingredients like split peas and hearty potatoes, making it not only delicious but also filling. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or hosting a family gathering, this soup is the perfect go-to!

What makes this vegan split pea potato soup truly special is its comforting, creamy texture and rich flavor. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to enjoy a wholesome meal without any fuss. Plus, leftovers are just as delightful, making it ideal for meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This soup comes together quickly with minimal fuss—perfect for busy days!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the creamy texture and mild flavors, making it a hit with the whole family.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can easily prepare this soup in advance and reheat it for an effortless meal.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with fiber-rich split peas and vitamins from veggies, it’s a hearty option for healthy eating.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices creates a rich, satisfying taste that will warm your soul.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a comforting bowl of goodness.

For the Soup Base

• 1 ½ cups dried green split peas, picked through and rinsed
• 1 medium yellow onion, small dice
• 2 celery ribs, small dice
• 2 carrots, small dice
• 2 Tablespoons garlic, finely minced
• 3 cups water (or broth)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 Tablespoon reduced sodium tamari
• ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1 Tablespoon miso

For the Vegetables & Seasoning

• 3 cups baby potatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 Tablespoon dried minced onion flakes
• ¼ teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/8 teaspoon cumin (optional)
• 1 ½ teaspoon sea salt (+/-)
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• Potato croutons (see recipe here)
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Quinoa Flatbread

Variations

The beauty of this Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add More Greens: Toss in some kale or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change Up the Potatoes: Swap baby potatoes for sweet potatoes or other root vegetables for different flavors.
• Spice it Up: If you like heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give your soup a kick.
• Creamy Texture Boost: Blend half of the soup after cooking for a creamier consistency while keeping some chunks intact.

How to Make Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup

Step 1: Measure Your Spices

Start by measuring out all your spices into a small bowl and mixing them well. This step ensures that all the flavors are balanced and ready to go when you’re cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Your Veggies

In a large ceramic or enamel-lined Dutch oven, combine the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Sauté over medium heat until they begin to soften—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. If they start sticking, add a tablespoon of water or broth to prevent burning.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices

Next, stir in the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. Then add the dry spices from your bowl and sauté again for another minute. This releases their fragrances and enhances the flavor profile of your soup.

Step 4: Incorporate Broth and Miso

Now it’s time to pour in the veggie broth along with tamari, liquid smoke, miso, and water. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat to let it simmer gently.

Step 5: Mix in Split Peas

Add those lovely green split peas into your pot. Stir everything together well so all ingredients are incorporated. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: Add Baby Potatoes

After those first 20 minutes are up, toss in your halved baby potatoes. Give it another good stir and check if you need additional spices—adjust according to your taste! Re-cover and continue simmering for another 20 minutes (40 minutes total), until everything is tender.

Once done, don’t forget to remove that bay leaf before serving! Ladle into bowls topped with potato croutons and fresh parsley for that extra touch.

Enjoy every comforting spoonful of this Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup!

Pro Tips for Making Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup

Making soup can be simple and rewarding, especially with a few helpful tricks up your sleeve!

• Soak the split peas: Soaking the split peas for a few hours or overnight can help them cook faster and make them easier to digest. If you’re short on time, rinsing them thoroughly will still work well.

• Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a creamier soup, blend a portion of it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender. This adds a lovely smooth texture while keeping some chunks for that hearty feel.

• Flavor depth: Don’t hesitate to experiment with spices! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can enhance the soup’s flavor profile, making it even more comforting.

• Storage tips: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months, making it perfect for meal prep!

• Add greens: Tossing in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking not only boosts the nutrition content but also adds vibrant color and freshness to your soup.

How to Serve Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup

Serving this delightful soup is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary dishes that enhance its flavors.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bowl.
• Potato croutons: For added crunch and flavor, top your soup with crispy potato croutons. They provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture of the soup.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Flatbread: This nutritious flatbread is perfect for dipping into your soup, adding protein and fiber to your meal.
• Simple green salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty soup.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini seasoned with herbs make for an excellent side that complements the earthy flavors of the soup.
• Whole grain rolls: Soft whole grain rolls are fantastic for soaking up every last drop of this delicious split pea potato soup while adding wholesome goodness to your meal.

Enjoy creating your cozy bowl of Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup and savor each warm spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a big batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it throughout. Here’s how to store it properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to storage containers.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label your containers with the date so you can keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; just be sure to label them!
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• You can also use a microwave; heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick after being refrigerated or frozen.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about our Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup.

Can I make this Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. It’s a great way to let those flavors meld together beautifully!

How do I thicken my Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup?

If you prefer a thicker soup, simply blend a portion of it using an immersion blender or regular blender. You can also reduce the liquid by simmering uncovered for a bit longer.

What can I serve with Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup?

This hearty soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, quinoa flatbread, or a fresh salad. It’s versatile and filling enough to serve as a full meal on its own!

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Split Pea Potato Soup is truly special—it’s not only comforting and delicious but also nourishing and easy to prepare. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I love sharing it with you! Grab your ingredients, warm up your kitchen, and let this soul-soothing soup become part of your mealtime routine. Happy cooking!