Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

There are countless reasons why this vegan split pea soup will become a staple in your kitchen. From its incredible flavor profile to its practical benefits, this recipe truly stands out:

• Hearty and Incredibly Satisfying. Loaded with protein-rich split peas and an abundance of nutrient-packed vegetables like potatoes and carrots, this soup is a complete and filling meal. It’s designed to keep you feeling full, cozy, and completely satisfied, making it ideal for chilly evenings or a robust lunch. The combination of fiber and protein ensures sustained energy without feeling heavy.
• Luxuriously Creamy Texture, Naturally Dairy-Free. Despite being entirely free of dairy products, this vegan split pea soup achieves an exquisite velvety smoothness. This magical texture is primarily due to the split peas themselves, which naturally break down during cooking, creating a thick, rich base. The tender potatoes further contribute to this delightful creaminess, making it feel indulgent without any added creams or milks.
• Economical and Budget-Friendly. Split peas are a fantastic, affordable source of plant-based protein, making this soup an excellent choice when you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing nutrition or taste. Most of the other ingredients – onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and vegetable broth – are also inexpensive pantry staples. This recipe proves that delicious, wholesome meals don’t have to break the bank.
• Rich, Smoky Flavor Profile. We’ve perfectly captured the comforting, savory depth often associated with traditional split pea soup. The secret lies in smoked paprika, which imparts a wonderful, natural smokiness without the need for animal products. Coupled with aromatic garlic, onion, and earthy thyme, the flavor layers are complex and incredibly inviting.
• Easy to Prepare for Any Cook. This recipe is straightforward, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal hands-on time. Most of the cooking process involves simmering, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully on their own. It’s perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a reliable, delicious meal.
• Excellent for Meal Prepping & Freezing. This soup reheats beautifully and freezes exceptionally well, making it perfect for preparing a large batch to enjoy throughout the week or to store for future meals. It’s a convenient solution for healthy, homemade food on demand.

Essential Notes on Ingredients for the Perfect Vegan Split Pea Soup

Crafting this incredible vegan split pea soup starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each component:

Scroll down to the recipe card below to find the exact ingredient quantities and detailed recipe instructions.

• Olive oil : Essential for sautéing the aromatics and building the foundational flavors of the soup. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Onion and garlic: The classic aromatic base for almost any delicious soup. You can use either yellow or white onion; both will add a sweet and savory depth. Minced garlic, added after the onion has softened, contributes a pungent warmth that enhances the entire dish.
• Dried split peas: The star of our show! You have the choice of using yellow or green split peas. Yellow split peas tend to have a slightly milder, sweeter flavor and a slightly longer cooking time; I highly recommend soaking them overnight for optimal texture and quicker cooking. Green split peas are firmer with a slightly stronger, earthy flavor and can be soaked for about 2 hours, or even just rinsed if you’re in a pinch (though soaking is always preferred for digestibility and cook time). Soaking helps them cook more evenly and reduces the overall simmering time.
• Vegetable broth: The liquid base that brings everything together. Using a high-quality vegetable broth will significantly elevate the soup’s flavor. I love using my homemade vegetable broth made from veggie scraps for a truly fresh and robust taste, but a good store-bought low-sodium option works wonderfully too.
• Bay leaves: These unassuming leaves add a subtle, savory, and slightly peppery aroma that deepens the soup’s complexity. Remember to remove them before serving!
• Dried thyme: An indispensable herb for split pea soup, thyme brings an earthy, minty, and slightly floral note that pairs perfectly with the peas and smoky flavors.
• Smoked paprika: This is the secret ingredient that truly transforms our vegan split pea soup, replacing the traditional ham flavor with a wonderfully deep, complex smokiness. Smoked paprika is distinct from sweet or hot paprika; ensure you pick the smoked variety for that authentic taste. It’s a game-changer for plant-based savory dishes!
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to taste as the soup cooks.
• Carrots: Diced carrots add a touch of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and an extra layer of texture, balancing the earthiness of the peas.
• Potatoes: Any type of potato works beautifully here, whether you prefer starchy Russets, waxy Yukon Golds, or creamy red potatoes. They contribute to the soup’s hearty texture and help create that desirable creamy consistency as they soften. You can leave the skins on for added nutrients and rustic charm, or peel them if you prefer.
• Fresh parsley: A bright and fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and herbaceous note, cutting through the richness of the soup.
• Homemade croutons: Our recipe includes instructions for quick and easy homemade croutons made from vegan white bread, olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, and dried thyme. These add a fantastic crunchy counterpoint to the creamy soup, enhancing both texture and flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make This Delicious Vegan Split Pea Soup

Making this hearty vegan split pea soup is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to create a truly comforting meal:

• Sauté the Onion and Garlic to Perfection. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 to 7 minutes until it becomes translucent and tender. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it releases its wonderful fragrance. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.
• Simmer for Flavor Development. Once your aromatics are ready, stir in the pre-soaked and rinsed split peas, rich vegetable broth, bay leaves, dried thyme, the all-important smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the entire mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 40 to 60 minutes. The exact time will depend on whether you used green (shorter) or yellow (longer) split peas and if they were thoroughly soaked. The goal is for the split peas to become wonderfully tender and begin to break down, thickening the soup.

• Incorporate Carrots and Potatoes. Once the split peas are tender and soft, it’s time to add the vegetables. Stir the sliced carrots and diced potatoes into the soup. Continue to cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until both the carrots and potatoes are perfectly tender when pierced with a fork. This ensures they add both flavor and texture without being mushy.
• Blend for Creaminess. To achieve that signature creamy texture while still having some delightful chunks of vegetables and peas, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend partially, moving it around to create a smooth base with some remaining texture. Alternatively, you can carefully scoop about 2 cups of the soup into a regular countertop blender, blend until smooth, and then stir it back into the pot. This method gives you excellent control over the final consistency.

• Prepare Homemade Croutons for Crunch. While the soup finishes its final simmer, you can quickly whip up a batch of homemade croutons. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190°C). Toss your cubed vegan bread with olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, garlic powder, and dried thyme until each piece is lightly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and perfectly crispy.
• Serve and Enjoy! Before serving, carefully remove the bay leaves from the soup. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired. Ladle the hot, creamy split pea soup into individual bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a generous handful of your crispy homemade croutons. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful!

Expert Tips and Delicious Variations for Your Split Pea Soup

Elevate your vegan split pea soup experience with these helpful tips and creative variations:

• Adjust the Consistency as Needed. Split pea soup tends to thicken significantly as it cools. If you find your soup has become too thick for your liking, simply add a splash more vegetable broth or hot water until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also adjust the initial creaminess by blending more or less of the soup; blend longer for a super smooth soup, or less for a chunkier texture.
• Amp Up the Smoky Flavor. For those who adore an intensely smoky profile, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the soup during the simmering stage. Start with just a drop or two, taste, and add more if desired, as a little goes a long way! This is a fantastic way to mimic that deep, slow-cooked smoky essence.
• Garnish with Vegan Bacon Bits. Take your soup to the next level by sprinkling crispy tempeh bacon or savory coconut bacon over the top just before serving. These vegan alternatives provide an amazing textural contrast and a burst of salty, umami flavor.
• Enhance Creaminess with Vegan Sour Cream. For an even richer and more luxurious bowl of soup, serve each portion with a dollop of creamy vegan sour cream. Its tangy flavor complements the smoky peas beautifully and adds an extra layer of indulgence.
• Experiment with Herbs and Spices. While thyme and bay leaves are classic, feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or sage for a different aromatic profile. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a subtle warmth if you enjoy a hint of spice.
• Add More Vegetables. This soup is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to incorporate other root vegetables like parsnips or celery along with the carrots and potatoes for added nutrients and flavor complexity. Spinach or kale can also be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of greens.

What to Serve With This Comforting Split Pea Soup 

This hearty vegan split pea soup is substantial enough to be a meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete and satisfying dining experience. Here are some of our favorite recommendations:

• Fresh Salads: A crisp, light salad provides a wonderful contrast to the rich and creamy soup. This easy vegan Caesar salad with its tangy dressing and savory coconut bacon is an excellent choice. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would also be perfect.
• Crusty Bread or Rolls: If you decide not to make the homemade croutons, serving the soup with warm, crusty bread is an absolute must. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of the delicious broth. Freshly baked rolls or a baguette would also be divine.
• Homemade Cornbread: For a truly comforting and Southern-inspired meal, a slice of warm, tender skillet cornbread is an ideal accompaniment. The slight sweetness and crumbly texture of cornbread complement the savory soup wonderfully.
• Grilled Vegan Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing with any soup, a gooey grilled vegan cheese sandwich is a match made in heaven for split pea soup. The warm, savory sandwich provides a satisfying crunch and a different texture to the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers for Future Enjoyment

One of the best qualities of this vegan split pea soup is how well it stores and reheats, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Here’s how to best preserve your delicious leftovers:

• Refrigerator Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer any leftover soup into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days. Note that the soup will thicken considerably in the fridge; this is normal.
• Freezer Storage: If you have a larger batch or know you won’t finish the leftovers within a few days, freezing is a fantastic option. Again, ensure the soup is fully cooled. Divide the split pea soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion, or use heavy-duty freezer bags (laying them flat to freeze saves space). Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. If the soup has thickened too much during storage (which it likely will), simply add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water while reheating to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed after reheating.

More Irresistible Vegan Soup Recipes to Try

If you’ve loved this vegan split pea soup, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other delicious plant-based soup creations. Soups are wonderfully versatile and nourishing, perfect for any season. Here are a few more favorites to add to your culinary repertoire:

• Classic Vegan French Onion Soup
• Comforting Vegan Chicken Noodle Soup
• Creamy Vegan Gnocchi Soup
• Hearty Vegetable Minestrone Soup
• Indulgent Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup