How to Make a Delicious Meat-Free Split Pea Soup: A Vegetarian Recipe

If you're looking for a hearty and comforting soup that doesn't require any meat, then split pea soup is the perfect choice. This vegetarian recipe is simple, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Here's how to get started:

Ingredients

1 cup split peas (green or yellow), rinsed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 potato, diced (optional) 6 cups vegetable broth or water 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon dried thyme Salt and pepper to taste Fresh herbs like parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.

Add Split Peas and Seasonings

Stir in the rinsed split peas and diced potato (if using), bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Add Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Simmer

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 30-40 minutes, or until the split peas are tender and have broken down. Stir occasionally.

Blend (Optional)

If you prefer a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup to your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can blend a portion of the soup in a regular blender.

Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy hot!

Tips

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or vinegar just before serving.

Strictly speaking, split pea soup doesn't have to contain any meat. All it needs are soaked split peas, stock, and some seasoning. The stock can be veggie, water, or any other broth of your choice.

However, I don't usually make split pea soup but prefer pea ham soup. Soaked split peas, diced leftover ham or bacon, ham stock, and seasoning are the key ingredients in this version.

Onions are an option in both versions, but if the stock is already flavorful, adding them might not be necessary.