Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These are dried peas that have been peeled and split in half, making them quick-cooking and perfect for soups.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic depth to the dish.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and a slight crunch, enhancing the texture and flavor.

Celery: Contributes a subtle bitterness and a crisp texture.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base that infuses the soup with rich, savory flavors.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds earthy and slightly minty notes.

Oregano: A dried herb that brings a warm, aromatic flavor to the soup.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and a touch of complexity.

When sautéing the onion and garlic, make sure to cook them over medium heat until they are translucent and fragrant. This will help to build a rich, aromatic base for your soup. Additionally, when adding the carrots and celery, give them a few minutes to soften slightly before incorporating the split peas and vegetable broth. This step ensures that the vegetables will be tender and flavorful by the time the soup is ready.

• split peas - Substitute with lentils: Lentils cook faster and have a similar texture, making them a great alternative in soups.

• onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, which can enhance the soup's taste.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a subtle garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness, suitable for soups.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweet and earthy flavor, similar to carrots, and work well in soups.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a mild anise flavor that can add a unique twist to the soup while maintaining a similar texture.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth provides a rich, umami flavor that can enhance the depth of the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust, earthy flavor that can complement the other ingredients in the soup.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a sweet, aromatic flavor that can work well in place of oregano.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the soup.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder, slightly different heat profile that can be a good alternative in soups.

• Allow the soup to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation and maintains the texture and flavor of the split peas.

• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to keep the soup fresh and avoid any unwanted flavors.

• Label the containers with the date. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored and ensures you consume it while it's still at its best.

• Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The soup will remain fresh and flavorful, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

• For longer storage, freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.

• Freeze in individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw just the right amount you need, reducing waste and ensuring convenience.

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process helps maintain the texture and flavor of the split peas and vegetables.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be sure to stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

• Adjust the seasoning after reheating. Sometimes, soups can lose a bit of their seasoning during storage, so taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

• Gently reheat the vegan split pea soup on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Add a splash of vegetable broth if the soup has thickened too much.

• Use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat individual portions. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

• For a more hands-off approach, reheat the soup in a slow cooker. Set it to low and let it warm for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for maintaining the soup's texture and flavor.

• If you have an instant pot, use the sauté function to reheat the soup. Stir frequently and add a bit of vegetable broth if needed. This method is quick and efficient.

• For a creamy twist, reheat the soup in a saucepan and stir in a splash of coconut milk or almond milk towards the end of reheating. This adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup.

• Large pot: A large pot is essential for cooking the soup, providing enough space for all ingredients to simmer and blend together.

• Colander: A colander is used to rinse the split peas under cold water, ensuring they are clean before cooking.

• Chef's knife: A chef's knife is necessary for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform pieces.

• Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping all the vegetables.

• Wooden spoon: A wooden spoon is ideal for stirring the ingredients as they cook, ensuring even cooking and preventing sticking.

• Measuring cups: Measuring cups are used to measure out the split peas and vegetable broth accurately.

• Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are used to measure the thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper precisely.

• Garlic press: A garlic press can be used to mince the garlic quickly and efficiently.

• Ladle: A ladle is perfect for serving the hot soup into bowls.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use a pressure cooker: Cut the cooking time by using a pressure cooker instead of simmering for an hour.

Batch cooking: Make a large batch and freeze portions for quick meals later.

Pre-rinse split peas: Rinse the split peas the night before to save time.

Ready-made broth: Use store-bought vegetable broth to skip making it from scratch.