Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe Slow Cooker Made Easy

When the chilly weather settles in, nothing warms you up quite like a hearty bowl of split pea soup. This vegan split pea soup recipe for the slow cooker is perfect for busy days when you want a nourishing meal waiting for you at home.

Using simple, wholesome ingredients, this recipe transforms humble split peas into a creamy, flavorful soup that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your menu, this slow cooker soup is incredibly easy to prepare and delivers big on taste.

Set it up in the morning, let the slow cooker work its magic, and come home to a delicious dinner that’s packed with protein, fiber, and rich, savory flavors. Plus, it’s gluten-free, oil-free, and allergen-friendly, making it a versatile choice for many diets.

Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your weekly rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan split pea soup ticks all the boxes for a go-to slow cooker meal. First, it’s incredibly easy—no need for constant stirring or babysitting the pot.

Just prep your ingredients, toss them in the slow cooker, and enjoy the hands-off cooking process.

Second, it’s budget-friendly. Split peas are an affordable source of plant-based protein, and the vegetables used are pantry staples you likely have on hand.

Third, the soup is naturally thick and creamy without any cream or dairy, thanks to the slow cooking of the peas breaking down into a velvety texture.

And finally, it’s endlessly customizable! You can add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to make this soup uniquely yours.

It’s perfect for meal prepping, freezes beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 large potato, peeled and cubed (optional for extra creaminess)
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional for depth)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (to brighten flavors)
• Fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4-6 quart size recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle for serving
• Optional: Immersion blender for creamier texture

Instructions

1. Prepare the split peas: Rinse the dried split peas under cold water and remove any debris or stones. Set aside.
2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, celery, and potato (if using). Mince the garlic cloves.
3. Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place the rinsed split peas, chopped vegetables, minced garlic, and diced potato into the slow cooker.
4. Pour in broth and seasonings: Add the vegetable broth, dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, bay leaf, and tomato paste. Stir gently to combine.
5. Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The peas should be soft and the vegetables tender.
6. Check seasoning and texture: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and add salt as needed. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup, or mash the peas slightly with a spoon.
7. Add apple cider vinegar: Stir in the apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors just before serving.
8. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

“Slow cooker split pea soup is a forgiving recipe—don’t be afraid to tweak the vegetables or spices to suit your taste!”

• Make it smoky: Add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt instead of or in addition to smoked paprika.
• Add greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach about 30 minutes before the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
• Spicy kick: Include a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for heat.
• Thicker soup: Blend a portion of the soup to thicken it naturally, or add more potatoes or a peeled parsnip.
• Use yellow split peas: For a slightly sweeter flavor, substitute green split peas with yellow ones, adjusting cooking time as needed.
• Make it in the Instant Pot: Check out other Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for pressure cooker adaptations.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs beautifully with a slice of crusty vegan bread or a warm flatbread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables.

If you’re looking for a cozy combo, try it with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

For a protein-packed twist, add a side of baked tofu or tempeh, or sprinkle hemp seeds on top of your soup bowl. If you want to keep things light, a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette works wonderfully.

Conclusion

This vegan split pea soup slow cooker recipe is a fantastic addition to your plant-based meal plan. It’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, all while being budget-friendly and simple to prepare.

The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and creates a comforting, creamy texture without dairy or heavy cream. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a family, this soup is sure to satisfy.

With its versatility and ease, you can customize this recipe endlessly to suit your preferences and seasonal veggies. Don’t forget to bookmark this recipe and explore related dishes like Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for more comforting slow cooker inspiration.

Enjoy the warmth and nourishment of homemade split pea soup any time you need a wholesome hug in a bowl!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe Slow Cooker”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and comforting vegan split pea soup made easy in the slow cooker. Perfect for a nutritious and filling meal any day of the week.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT8H”, “totalTime”: “PT8H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 1/2 cups dried green split peas, rinsed”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 carrots, peeled and chopped”, “2 celery stalks, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 bay leaf”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “6 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse the split peas and add to the slow cooker.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and stir in smoked paprika.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or until peas are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove bay leaf and season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice if using.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir well and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “230”, “proteinContent”: “16g”, “fatContent”: “4g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35g”}}