Name: Vegan Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups dried split peas, rinsed; 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 8 cups vegetable broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

Hey y'all! If you’re craving something warm, hearty, and wholesome, you’ll love this Vegan Split Pea Soup recipe. Packed with plant-based protein, tons of veggies, and savory flavor, it hits the spot on chilly days or whenever you need a cozy meal. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or already a pro, this foolproof soup is as satisfying as it is simple. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Vegan Split Pea Soup

Rich in protein and fiber, making it super satisfying and nourishing.
Easy to prepare with affordable ingredients you likely already have.
Perfect for meal prep—tastes even better the next day!
Totally customizable and naturally gluten-free.
Creamy, smoky, and packed with veggie goodness in every bite.

Vegan Split Pea Soup Ingredients List

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
3 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups dried split peas, rinsed and sorted
7 cups vegetable broth
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons liquid smoke or 1 cup diced smoked tofu for extra smoky flavor
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the olive oil. Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery until softened and fragrant, about 6-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 2: Build the Flavors

Sprinkle in the thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom the spices and deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Split Peas

Add the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaves, and optional liquid smoke or smoked tofu. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 50-60 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes to prevent sticking, until the split peas are tender and the soup is creamy.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper if needed. For extra creaminess, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup, or simply mash a bit with a spoon. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!

Notes for the Perfect Vegan Split Pea Soup

For a thicker texture, blend half the soup using an immersion blender and stir back in.
Split peas don't require soaking, but rinsing removes debris and some starch.
If soup gets too thick, simply add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Vegan Split Pea Soup Variations

Extra Smoky: Add more liquid smoke, smoked paprika, or stir in diced smoked vegan sausage.
With Potatoes: Toss in two diced potatoes along with the veggies for even more heartiness.
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.

Required Equipment for Vegan Split Pea Soup

Large soup pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Ladle
Immersion blender or potato masher (optional, for texture)

Vegan Split Pea Soup Storage & Shelf Life

Store leftover Vegan Split Pea Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened.

Perfect Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with crusty whole-grain bread or homemade bread.
A fresh, crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the creamy texture.
Top with crunchy roasted chickpeas or vegan croutons for added texture.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Split Pea Soup

Use high-quality vegetable broth for optimal depth of flavor—homemade broth is best but good store-bought works great (here are some great options).
Stir periodically while simmering to prevent the split peas from sticking to the bottom.
Let the soup rest for 10 minutes before serving—the flavors meld and the texture improves.

Vegan Split Pea Soup FAQ

Do I need to soak split peas before cooking?
No soaking is required—just rinse them and they’ll cook up tender and creamy within an hour.
Can I make Vegan Split Pea Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
Are split peas healthy?
Yes, split peas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and important vitamins and minerals. Learn more from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Vegan Split Pea Soup