Vegan Split Pea Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Split peas are a pantry staple that often fly under the radar, but when transformed into hearty, flavorful vegan dishes, they become a true superstar ingredient. These little legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them perfect for anyone looking to eat plant-based without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, incorporating split peas into your meals offers a wonderful way to enjoy comforting, wholesome food that warms the soul and fuels the body.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of vegan split pea recipes that are easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious. From classic split pea soups bursting with herbs and veggies to innovative split pea patties perfect for sandwiches, you’ll find recipes that fit every occasion.

Let’s dive into these nourishing creations and discover why split peas deserve a permanent spot in your vegan kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Split peas are not only affordable but also incredibly versatile. They cook quickly compared to other dried legumes, making them convenient for weeknight dinners.

Their naturally creamy texture when cooked makes them ideal for soups, stews, and even vegan “meat” alternatives.

These recipes are designed with whole-food, plant-based ingredients, ensuring you get a balanced meal rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and soy-free, accommodating many dietary restrictions.

From hearty soups to crispy patties, these recipes are comfort food with a healthy twist, perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Ingredients

• Green or yellow split peas – 1 cup (rinsed)
• Carrots – 2 medium, diced
• Celery stalks – 2, diced
• Onion – 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Vegetable broth – 4 cups
• Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
• Bay leaves – 2
• Thyme – 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh
• Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon (optional for depth)
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (for finishing)
• Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
• Oats or breadcrumbs – 1/2 cup (for patties)
• Ground flaxseed – 2 tablespoons (for binding in patties)
• Water – 6 tablespoons (to mix with flaxseed)

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy texture)
• Mixing bowl (for patties)
• Non-stick skillet or frying pan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Prepare the split peas: Rinse 1 cup of split peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened, stirring occasionally.
3. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook the split peas: Add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with 4 cups of vegetable broth and 2 bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for 45-60 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Check for doneness: When the peas are tender and beginning to break down, remove the bay leaves. For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to puree part or all of the soup, or leave it chunky.
6. Season and finish: Stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Make split pea patties (optional): While the soup simmers, mix 1 cup of cooked split peas with oats, ground flaxseed mixed with water, and your favorite spices. Form into patties and cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
8. Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy your patties alongside or as a sandwich filling.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky flavor, try adding a piece of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the soup.”

• Make it creamy: Blend a portion of the soup for a velvety texture, or stir in a splash of coconut milk for richness.
• Spice it up: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili flakes if you prefer some heat.
• Bulk it up: Toss in diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or chopped greens like kale or spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Use split red lentils: For a quicker-cooking variation, red lentils can substitute split peas but expect a slightly different texture and flavor.
• Try different herbs: Replace thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herbal profile.
• Patties variation: Mix in finely chopped mushrooms or grated zucchini into patties for extra moisture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan split pea soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. For a heartier lunch or dinner, serve split pea patties on whole grain buns with your favorite vegan mayo, lettuce, and tomato slices.

Try it alongside roasted root vegetables or a simple quinoa pilaf to round out your plate. For inspiration on delicious vegan breads, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

For more plant-based meal ideas, you might enjoy exploring Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas or add a sweet ending with our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

Delicious Vegan Split Pea Recipes to Try

Classic Vegan Split Pea Soup

This recipe is the foundation described above—a simple, comforting soup made with split peas, carrots, celery, and herbs. It’s perfect for chilly days and freezes well for meal prep.

Curried Split Pea Stew

• Ingredients: Split peas, coconut milk, curry powder, diced tomatoes, sweet potatoes, spinach, garlic, ginger.
• Instructions: Sauté aromatics and spices, add split peas and broth, simmer with sweet potatoes until tender. Stir in coconut milk and spinach at the end.
• Flavor tip: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Split Pea Patties with Herb Sauce

• Ingredients: Cooked split peas, oats, flaxseed, onion, garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, lemon juice.
• Instructions: Combine ingredients, form patties, pan-fry until crisp. Serve with a tangy vegan yogurt or tahini herb sauce.
• Perfect for: Sandwiches, burgers, or as a protein-packed appetizer.

Split Pea and Vegetable Dahl

• Ingredients: Yellow split peas, mustard seeds, turmeric, cumin, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, green beans, cilantro.
• Instructions: Temper spices in oil, add split peas and tomatoes, cook until creamy. Stir in green beans near the end.
• Serving tip: Serve with basmati rice or naan bread.

Split Pea and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie

• Ingredients: Cooked split peas, sautéed mushrooms, onions, carrots, peas, vegan gravy, mashed potatoes topping.
• Instructions: Layer split pea mixture in a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, bake until golden.
• Comfort food classic with a vegan twist.

Explore more vegetarian and vegan hearty meals in our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or add a creamy pasta side with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Conclusion

Incorporating split peas into your vegan cooking repertoire opens up a world of nutritious, filling, and flavorful possibilities. Whether you’re simmering a classic soup, crafting golden patties, or experimenting with international dahl and stews, split peas provide a satisfying base that’s both budget-friendly and healthful.

These recipes prove that plant-based eating can be diverse, comforting, and delicious without complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen. So next time you’re planning meals, remember these versatile legumes and try out some of the recipes shared here.

With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, you can create nourishing dishes that everyone will love.

Happy cooking, and be sure to explore more vegan recipes on our site for continuous inspiration!

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