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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.  
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

Prepare Ingredients:
  1. Wash and chop all vegetables. Rinse split peas under cold water and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
  2. 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:
  1. Stir in the split peas and barley. Add water and salt, and mix well.
  2. 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:
  1. Once the split peas are partially broken down, add the potatoes, carrots, and celery to the pot.
  2. Stir in parsley, dried basil, dried thyme, and black pepper.
  3. Simmer for another hour, or until the vegetables are tender and the soup reaches a creamy consistency.
Adjust Consistency:
  1. For a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup while keeping some chunks for texture.
  2. If the soup is too thick, add more water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish:
  1. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
  2. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
  3. 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.