Ah, there’s nothing like a cozy bowl of soup to wrap you up in warmth and comfort. Imagine your spoon diving into a sea of vibrant green goodness, each mouthful like a gentle hug on a dreary day. My vegan split pea soup—it’s like a whispered secret between friends, nourishing and soul-soothing, perfect for those evenings when you just want to escape into a world of flavor and nostalgia.
Steps
- Begin by rinsing the split peas thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then set them aside.
- In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat and sauté chopped onions, carrots, and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent.
- Add the rinsed split peas to the pot, followed by water or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to cook uncovered for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the peas have softened, add diced potatoes and any additional vegetables or seasonings you prefer, such as fresh herbs or spices.
- Continue to simmer the soup until the potatoes are tender, approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Adjust the consistency with more water or broth if necessary.
- Taste the soup and season it with salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your liking. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a crunchy topping if desired. Enjoy your homemade vegan split pea soup!
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried split peas
- 9 cups water (or adjust as needed)
- 2 medium red potatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (adjust amount as desired)
- Chopped chives for garnish
- Crushed pita chips for garnish
FAQ
- Can I add meat to the vegan split pea soup?
- Yes, you can customize the soup by splitting it and adding leftover ham or another meat to a portion, while keeping the other half vegan.
- How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?
- If the soup becomes too thick during cooking, you can add extra water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Some users found adding 2-4 extra cups of liquid helped maintain a soup-like texture.
- Are there any recommended substitutions for ingredients I might not have?
- Yes, you can make substitutions based on availability. For instance, if you don’t have celery or bay leaves, you can omit them. Adding lemon juice or red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavor.
- What can I use to enhance the flavor of the soup?
- Enhancing the soup’s flavor can be achieved by using Better Than Bouillon No Chicken Base, doubling the garlic, or using fresh herbs. Garnishing with crushed pita chips and chives adds a nice touch as well.
- Can I make adjustments to the recipe if I prefer a different taste?
- Absolutely, you can adjust the seasonings to your liking. Some people prefer more salt or less parsley. You can also add ingredients like lemon zest or red pepper flakes for added depth and brightness.
Tips
- If your soup is turning out too thick during cooking, gradually add more water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.
- Consider garnishing the soup with crushed pita chips and chives for added texture and flavor.
- To enhance the flavor profile, try adding fresh herbs and a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Customize the soup to your taste by adjusting the amount of salt and parsley or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Equipment
- Large Soup Pot or Stockpot
- Immersion Blender (if you prefer a smoother soup texture)
- Ladle (for serving)
