Best Vegetarian Yellow Split Pea Soup Recipe to Try Today

Yellow split pea soup is a comforting, hearty dish that perfectly balances nutrition and flavor. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this soup offers a delicious way to enjoy legumes in a creamy, satisfying form.

The vibrant golden color comes from the yellow split peas, which cook down into a velvety base, combined with aromatic vegetables and warming spices.

This recipe is simple to make, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber, making it an excellent option for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: you can customize the texture and seasonings to suit your taste.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best vegetarian yellow split pea soup recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This yellow split pea soup shines because of its rich, creamy texture without any dairy or heavy cream. The natural starch from the peas thickens the soup beautifully, creating a comforting bowl that warms you up from the inside out.

It’s also a nutritional powerhouse — packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. The combination of carrots, onions, and garlic adds depth and sweetness, while herbs like thyme and bay leaves infuse subtle earthiness.

Another reason this recipe stands out is its ease and adaptability. You can prepare it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, and you can easily adjust the spices or add veggies like potatoes or celery to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups yellow split peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the split peas: Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly under cold running water. Remove any debris or small stones.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and the carrots begin to soften.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, cumin, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add split peas and broth: Pour in the rinsed split peas and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are soft and breaking apart.
6. Blend (optional): For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to puree the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and then stir it back in. Leave some texture if you prefer a chunkier soup.
7. Season and finish: Remove the bay leaf. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish. Adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky twist, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. You can also toss in diced potatoes or celery along with the carrots for added texture and flavor.”

To save time, soak the yellow split peas in water for a few hours or overnight; this will reduce cooking time. If you want a creamier soup without blending, try using an immersion blender for a partial puree, leaving some peas whole for texture.

Vegan cheese or a dollop of coconut cream can add richness if desired. For a spicy kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This yellow split pea soup pairs wonderfully with crusty whole-grain bread or garlic naan. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the soup’s creaminess perfectly.

For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted vegetables or a grain bowl with quinoa or brown rice. You can also drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil or sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top for added texture and flavor.

Looking for more comforting soups? Check out this Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a seafood twist or try our creamy Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe to pair with pasta.

Conclusion

Yellow split pea soup is a fantastic vegetarian dish that combines wholesome ingredients with simple preparation to create a delicious and nourishing meal. Its creamy texture, delightful flavor, and impressive nutritional profile make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to embrace plant-based eating without sacrificing taste.

By following this recipe, you’ll have a versatile base that you can tweak and customize according to your preferences. Whether served on a chilly day or as a healthy lunch option, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Don’t forget to explore other recipes like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for dessert or the savory Cheese Penny Recipe to round out your meal!

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