Dinner

Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Name: Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 large sweet onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 ribs celery, diced; 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 pound dry green split peas; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; salt, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 8 cups vegetable broth; 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

ByRita Bennet January 9, 2026January 9, 2026

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Introduction

This vegan split pea soup is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for chilly days. Packed with vegetables and rich flavors, it’s both nutritious and satisfying without any dairy or meat.

A dark bowl with two small handles holds thick yellowish-green soup filled with small pieces of orange carrot and green celery, with some black pepper sprinkled on top. A spoon lifts a scoop of the soup from the bowl, showing the chunky texture with visible carrot and celery. Nearby, there is part of a white cup with the same soup, fresh celery sticks, orange carrot, and torn pieces of bread on a white marbled surface. A woman's hand holds the spoon from the lower right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large sweet onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 ribs celery, diced

3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 pound dry green split peas
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
8 cups vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions, minced garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and translucent.
Step 2: Add the diced potatoes, dry split peas, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, vegetable broth, and liquid smoke if using. Stir everything together to combine well.

Step 3: Increase the heat to bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas have broken down and the soup has thickened.
Step 4: For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend the soup a few times directly in the pot. Taste and add salt as desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For added depth, sauté a chopped smoked sausage substitute with the vegetables or sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

If you prefer a thinner broth, add more vegetable broth during simmering until you reach the desired consistency.
Using liquid smoke is optional but enhances the smoky flavor; skip it if you prefer a milder soup.
Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten the flavors.

Storage

Store the cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, adding a little water or broth if it has thickened too much. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A thick bowl of yellowish-orange soup with visible soft carrot chunks is shown in a dark brown pot with two small handles on the sides. A spoon lifts some of the creamy soup, revealing the smooth texture with bits of spice and two orange carrot pieces on top. In the background, there is a white cup with more soup, some whole carrots and celery sticks, and torn pieces of light brown bread around the pot. All items rest on a white marbled surface with a dark green cloth near the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use yellow split peas instead of green?

Yes, yellow split peas work well and have a slightly sweeter flavor. Cooking times may be similar, but keep an eye on the texture as they can sometimes become softer faster.