A bowl of pea soup is a kind of magic. It is the type of food that gives one a warm hug during a chilly day. It is fat and dense and most filling. To many, the traditional one is associated with the recollection of ham hocks and smoked bacon. However, would you be able to infuse the same rich and cozy flavor in an entirely vegetarian manner? But what if you were able to make a recipe of vegan pea soup so good and tasty that it becomes an automatic staple of your kitchen?

It is good news since you definitely can. This is a trip into the realm of split pea soup recipes, vegan style, and revealing the magic of whole vegetables and the secrets of seasoning. We will create layers of flavor that will surprise you to see that we have created a soup that is so robust and smoky, but without the use of a single animal product. This is not about forfeiting, it is about finding a new, colorful way of enjoying an old and classic meal. This vegan split pea soup recipe is the one that you are going to make as a comfort meal.

Why This Vegan Pea Soup Recipe is a Game Changer

You might be wondering what makes this pea soup recipe vegan feel so special. When you taste it, you notice how the flavors build in layers, and that happens because we focus on creating a rich, savory foundation filled with umami. We do it without any meat, yet the flavor still feels deep and comforting.

First, I slowly cook a mix of aromatic vegetables. As the onions, carrots, and celery soften, they turn sweet and tender, and this gives the soup its warm flavor base. Then I bring in smoked paprika. This spice becomes the true star, and it delivers that smoky depth people usually expect from ham. When it blends with the herbs and the rich vegetable broth, the soup tastes satisfying, complex, and completely plant-based.

Furthermore, this vegan pea soup recipe comes together easily and feels incredibly nourishing. Split peas provide wonderful plant-based protein and fiber, and they help the soup feel filling while also supporting good digestion. It’s the kind of meal that takes care of you while you enjoy every spoonful.

Gathering Your Simple, Wholesome Ingredients

The beauty of this soup is its simplicity. The ingredients are humble, affordable, and likely already in your pantry.

The Aromatic Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

The Heart of the Soup:

• 1 pound (about 2 ¼ cups) dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
• 8 cups (2 quarts) vegetable broth
• 2 bay leaves

The Flavor Powerhouses:

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for depth and saltiness)
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a “cheesy” depth)

The Finishing Touch:

• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

This combination creates a vegan split pea soup recipe that is balanced, smoky, and deeply savory.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Pot of Soup

Making this soup is a relaxing, straightforward process. The slow simmering does most of the work for you, filling your home with an incredible aroma.

Step 1: Build the Flavor Foundation

First, heat the olive oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium heat. As the oil warms, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. This trio, known as a mirepoix, creates the kind of flavorful beginning you find in the best homemade soups.

While the vegetables cook, keep them moving now and then. After about 8 to 10 minutes, they soften and the onions turn translucent, which tells you the base is ready. Then add the minced garlic and let it cook for one more minute. This gives the soup a deeper aroma, and it builds another layer of flavor while you make sure the garlic doesn’t burn.

Step 2: Toast the Spices and Peas

Now it’s time to add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper to the pot. As you stir everything together, the spices warm for about 30 seconds. This quick step gently toasts them and brings out their natural oils, so the flavor becomes fuller and more vibrant.

Next, add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, and bay leaves. When you stir again, make sure you scrape the bottom of the pot because those browned bits blend back in and deepen the flavor even more.

Step 3: The Simmering Transformation

Bring the soup to a boil. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently. This is the stage where everything comes together and the flavors deepen.

Let the soup simmer for about 60 to 80 minutes. Stir it every 20 minutes to keep the peas from settling at the bottom. You’ll know it’s ready when the split peas fully break down and the soup turns thick, creamy, and wonderfully hearty.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve

Once the soup becomes thick and creamy, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the two bay leaves and set them aside. After that, stir in the soy sauce or tamari along with the nutritional yeast if you choose to use it.

Taste the soup now because this step shapes the final flavor. If it needs more salt, add a small amount at a time until it feels just right to you. The flavor should come through as smoky, savory, and deeply satisfying.

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s ready to bring warmth and comfort straight to your table.

How to Customise Your Vegan Split Pea Soup

This best vegan split pea soup recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to make it your own with these simple ideas.

• Add Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, add two peeled and cubed Yukon gold potatoes when you add the split peas.
• Creamy Version: For a silkier texture, you can blend about half of the soup with an immersion blender directly in the pot, or carefully transfer a portion to a stand blender and then mix it back in.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices for a gentle heat.
• Different Smoky Flavors: A few drops of liquid smoke can be added at the end, along with the soy sauce, for an even more intense smoky flavor. Start with just ¼ teaspoon.
• Using an Instant Pot: For a faster version, use the Sauté function for Step 1. Then, add all other ingredients (except garnishes), secure the lid, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.

The Secret to the Best Flavour: Tips and Tricks

A great vegan pea soup recipe relies on a few simple techniques.

• Don’t Skip the Sauté: Taking the time to properly cook the onions, carrots, and celery is non-negotiable. This step builds a sweet, savory foundation that forms the soul of the soup.
• Rinse Your Peas: Always rinse split peas in a colander under cold water before using them. This removes any dust or debris.
• Low and Slow Simmer: A gentle simmer is key. A rolling boil can cause the peas to break down too quickly and stick to the bottom of the pot, potentially burning.
• The Rest is Best: Like many stews and soups, this one often tastes even better the next day. The flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

For more on this, see our guide to DoDewRecipes` recipe of Oyster Cracker Snacks.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.

• Refrigerator: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: This pea soup recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth, as it will thicken when cold.

A Final Spoonful of Comfort

This vegan pea soup recipe is more than a simple set of instructions; it becomes a genuine invitation to comfort. As you make it, you discover how plant-based cooking can feel just as hearty, flavourful, and soul-warming as any familiar traditional dish. Moreover, the slow transformation of these humble ingredients into a creamy and luxurious pot of soup turns the cooking process into its own reward.

As you enjoy each step, the warmth builds, and the final bowl brings a sense of calm that stays with you. We hope this recipe finds a lasting place in your home cooking rotation because it offers pure and uncomplicated comfort that nourishes both your body and your spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need to soak the split peas for this vegan pea soup recipe?
No, you do not need to soak split peas. Unlike other dried legumes, split peas cook relatively quickly and will break down perfectly during the 60-80 minute simmering time in this split pea soup recipe.

2. My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
This is an easy fix! Simply stir in a little more vegetable broth or water until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Add the liquid gradually, about a half-cup at a time, until it’s perfect for you.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. For a slow cooker version, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery on the stove first for the best flavor. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker and add all the remaining ingredients. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.

4. Why is smoked paprika so important in this best vegan split pea soup recipe?
Smoked paprika is the key to achieving that deep, smoky flavor traditionally provided by ham hocks or bacon. It gives the soup its characteristic savory depth and makes the vegan pea soup recipe taste wonderfully rich and authentic.

5. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, this is an excellent soup for freezing. It holds its texture and flavor very well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before portioning it into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

6. What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you need to avoid soy, you can use coconut aminos for a similar savory flavor. Alternatively, you can simply use a bit more salt to taste. The soy sauce primarily adds umami and saltiness.

Learn more about how to make vegan pea split soup under 70 minutes from Sharon Palmer.

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