Vegan Split Pea Soup: A Wholesome Bowl of Comfort
Rich, hearty, and packed with nutrients, this Vegan Split Pea Soup is a comforting bowl of plant-based goodness. Loaded with split peas, barley, and fresh vegetables, it’s a budget-friendly and nourishing meal perfect for any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hour
- Total Time: 15 minutes 3 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 7 ½ cups water
- 2 cups dried split peas (rinsed and sorted)
- ½ cup barley (or substitute with quinoa or rice for gluten-free)
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 potatoes, diced (Yukon Gold or Russet work best)
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- ½ cup chopped parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp ground black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Wash and chop all vegetables. Rinse split peas under cold water and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and the bay leaf. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Add Split Peas, Barley, and Water:
- Stir in the split peas and barley. Add water and salt, and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Vegetables and Herbs:
- Once the split peas are partially broken down, add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Stir in parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, and black pepper.
- Simmer for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Consistency:
- For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while keeping some chunks for texture.
- If the soup is too thick, add more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
- Rinse the split peas thoroughly to remove debris and enhance texture.
- Simmer the soup on low heat to ensure the peas break down and create a creamy base.
- For added smokiness, stir in a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- Customize by adding vegetables like zucchini, leeks, or spinach for extra nutrients.