Split Pea Vegetarian Recipes for Easy Healthy Meals

Split peas are a pantry powerhouse, offering a fantastic base for hearty, nutritious vegetarian meals that are both comforting and easy to prepare. Their mild, earthy flavor and creamy texture when cooked make them incredibly versatile for soups, stews, and even patties.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, split peas are an affordable, protein-packed ingredient that won’t disappoint.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a collection of delicious split pea vegetarian recipes that showcase the legume’s best qualities. From classic split pea soup to creative salads and casseroles, these recipes are designed to satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body.

Plus, they’re perfect for batch cooking and meal prep, making them ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Split pea vegetarian recipes are a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, they are naturally high in protein and fiber, which means they help keep you full and satisfied longer.

They are also budget-friendly and widely available, making them accessible to all home cooks.

Moreover, split peas cook relatively quickly compared to other dried legumes, saving you time without sacrificing nutrition. Their versatility is unmatched—you can easily customize flavors with herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your preferences.

And if you’re looking for comfort food that’s also healthy, these recipes hit the mark—warm, filling, and packed with plant-based goodness. Ready to get cooking?

Let’s dive into the ingredients and equipment you’ll need.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split peas (green or yellow), rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
• 6 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for smoky flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (for creamy texture, optional)
• Ladle for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Rinse the split peas under cold water and pick out any debris. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and potato (if using).
2. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in the pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
3. Add vegetables: Stir in the carrots, celery, and potato. Cook for another 5 minutes to soften the vegetables slightly.
4. Add split peas and seasoning: Pour in the rinsed split peas, vegetable broth (or water), bay leaf, dried thyme, and smoked paprika if using. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover partially and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas and vegetables are tender and breaking down.
6. Blend if desired: For a creamier soup, remove the bay leaf and use an immersion blender to purée part or all of the soup. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
7. Season and finish: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Soaking split peas is not necessary, but it can reduce cooking time by about 15 minutes.

To make this recipe your own, consider these variations:

• Spicy Split Pea Soup: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for heat.
• Curried Split Pea Stew: Swap thyme and paprika for 1 tbsp curry powder and add coconut milk at the end for richness.
• Split Pea Patties: Mash cooked split peas with breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, then pan-fry for a tasty vegetarian burger or snack.

For more vegetarian inspiration, check out our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Split pea soup or stew pairs wonderfully with rustic whole-grain bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. For added texture, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crispy fried onions on top.

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, serve a chilled split pea salad tossed with diced vegetables, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

For a creamy, indulgent touch, drizzle a little vegan bechamel sauce over your split pea casserole — check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to learn how to make it from scratch.

Conclusion

Split peas are a fantastic ingredient to have in your vegetarian cooking arsenal. Their ability to transform into hearty, comforting dishes makes them perfect for any season, whether you crave a warm soup on a chilly evening or a refreshing salad in the spring.

With these split pea vegetarian recipes, you can enjoy meals that are not only delicious but also nutritious and budget-friendly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and herbs to create new flavor profiles that suit your palate.

Remember, cooking with split peas is both simple and rewarding, offering endless possibilities for satisfying plant-based dishes.

If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to explore other vegetarian delights like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners for even more inspiration.

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