Instant Pot Vegetarian Split Pea Soup with Kale
Cozy Up with a Bowl of Vegetarian Split Pea Soup!
As the days get cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting soup to nourish the body and soul. Today, we’re sharing our favorite Vegetarian Split Pea Soup recipe – a hearty and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. This isn’t your grandma’s split pea soup (unless your grandma was a vegetarian culinary genius!). We’ve packed it with aromatic vegetables and a touch of smoked paprika for a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
This soup is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a cozy lunch, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It’s naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by ensuring your vegetable broth is plant-based. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy meal.
What makes this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup special?
- Flavorful Base: We start with a classic mirepoix (onion, carrot, and celery) to build a rich and savory foundation.
- Smoked Paprika Magic: A touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that elevates the soup to another level.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any complicated techniques.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or a hearty side dish.
Tips for the Best Split Pea Soup:
- Soaking the Peas (Optional): While not essential, soaking the split peas for a few hours (or overnight) can help them cook faster and become even creamier. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the soup.
- Simmering Time: The simmering time can vary depending on the age and type of split peas. Check for tenderness after 30 minutes and continue simmering until they reach your desired consistency.
- Blending (Optional): If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially or fully blend the soup. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
- Spice it Up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use ham hock or bacon in this recipe?
A: While traditional split pea soup often includes ham hock or bacon, this recipe is designed to be vegetarian. Adding those ingredients would, of course, make it non-vegetarian.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely! Split pea soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Crusty bread for dipping is a classic pairing. A simple side salad or some roasted vegetables would also complement the soup nicely.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as your vegetable broth is also gluten-free.
We hope you enjoy this comforting and flavorful Vegetarian Split Pea Soup! Let us know in the comments what you think!
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Ingredients
- 6 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Onion diced
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 2 medium Carrots diced
- 2 stalks Celery diced
- 1 cup Dried Split Peas
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add split peas and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the soup has thickened.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and serve.
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