VEGAN SPLIT PEA SOUP
This easy Vegan Split Pea Soup delivers all the classic flavor of traditional split pea soup – without the ham! Hearty split peas, sweet tender carrots, and savory spices slow cook into a thick, creamy, nourishing bowl that’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
AROMATIC BASE
This soup builds its soul from the bottom of the pot – sweet sautéed onion, bold garlic, and a warm blend of oregano, paprika, and marjoram come together creating an irresistibly fragrant base that sets the stage for every spoonful.
SLOW COOKED COMFORT
Tender sweet carrots, earthy hearty split peas, and savory vegetable broth slow cook together into a thick, creamy, nourishing bowl of pure comfort – all the classic flavor of traditional split pea soup, completely plant-based.
WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS...
This thick, creamy split pea soup without ham is as nourishing as it is delicious. Split peas are naturally packed with plant-based protein and fiber, making this a hearty and satisfying meal that keeps you full for hours. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly – a big pot of comforting vegan soup made from simple pantry staples that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re fully plant-based or simply looking for a wholesome meatless meal, this easy soup recipe delivers on every level.
SIMPLE STEPS FOR THIS VEGAN SPLIT PEA SOUP
Sauté Onions & Garlic and Spices Until Tender and Fragrant
Add Diced Carrots and Rinsed Split Peas
Add Broth and Simmer for 1-2 Hours With Lid Vented
Vegan Split Pea Soup Ingredients
STEP 1 – SAUTÉ ONION & GARLIC:
- Heat olive oil in a 6 qt stockpot over medium heat.
- Dice onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
STEP 2 – ADD SPICES:
- Add bay leaf, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and marjoram to the pot.
- Stir to coat the onion and garlic mixture and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
STEP 3 – ADD CARROTS:
- Cut baby carrots in half or thirds and add to the pot as you cut.
- Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes.
STEP 4 – SLOW COOK:
- Rinse and sort split peas, then add to the pot along with the vegetable broth.
- Once bubbling slightly, reduce heat to simmer with lid on and slightly tilted.
- Cook for 1-2 hours, checking at the 1 hour mark and stirring occasionally.
- Add more broth as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
STEP 5 – SERVE:
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or saltines.
- Top with nutritional yeast and season with salt & pepper to taste.
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Vegan Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion
- 2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- 1 Large Bay Leaf
- 2 tsp Oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Marjoram (or substitute extra oregano)
- ½ to 1 lb Baby Carrots (or substitute regular carrots, if desired)
- 16 oz Dried Split Peas
- 1½ Containers Vegetable Broth Carton (32 oz ea)
For Serving:
- Nutritional Yeast (optional)
- Saltine Crackers OR
- Crusty Baguette Bread
- Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Choose 6 QT Stockpot - Easily Double with 8 QT Stockpot
- Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil (or a generous drizzle) in a 6 qt stockpot over medium heat.1-2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Dice onion and add to the heated pot. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.1 Medium Yellow Onion
- Add garlic and stir well. Cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.2 tbsp Minced Garlic
- Add spices and stir to coat the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.1 Large Bay Leaf, 2 tsp Oregano, 1 tsp Salt, ½ tsp Black Pepper, ½ tsp Paprika, ½ tsp Marjoram
- Cut baby carrots in half or thirds depending on size and your preference. Add to the pot as you cut and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes.½ to 1 lb Baby Carrots
- Rinse and sort split peas as recommended on the package.16 oz Dried Split Peas
- Add peas and broth to the pot and stir well.1½ Containers Vegetable Broth Carton (32 oz ea)
- Once soup begins to bubble slightly, reduce heat to simmer. Cook with lid on and slightly tilted for 1-2 hours, checking at the 1 hour mark - stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom to incorporate any settling bits. Split peas will soften and break down as they cook, naturally thickening the soup - 2 hours is ideal for a rich, thick consistency. Add more broth as needed to reach your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust spices - this soup typically benefits from an extra pinch or two of salt at the end.
Serve With:
- Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread or saltines. Top with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast and season with salt & pepper to taste.Nutritional Yeast, Saltine Crackers, Salt & Pepper, Crusty Baguette Bread
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FAQ'S FOR THIS VEGAN SPLIT PEA SOUP RECIPE
1. Can I make this split pea soup without ham? Absolutely! This recipe is specifically designed to deliver all the rich, classic flavor of traditional split pea soup – completely without ham. Hearty split peas, savory spices, and a rich vegetable broth do all the heavy lifting, and most people can’t even tell the difference!
2. Do I need to soak split peas before making this soup? No soaking required! Unlike other dried legumes, split peas cook down beautifully on their own. Simply rinse and sort them as recommended on the package and they are ready to go straight into the pot.
3. Can I freeze this vegan split pea soup? Yes! This soup freezes wonderfully and actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply add a splash of vegetable broth to bring it back to your preferred consistency.
4. How do I know when my split pea soup is done? Your soup is ready when the split peas have fully softened and broken down into a thick, creamy consistency. This typically happens between 1-2 hours – check at the 1-hour mark and give it a stir. The longer it cooks, the thicker and richer it becomes!
