As the weather cools and the days shorten, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of soup. This vegetarian split pea soup recipe is a hearty and flavorful option that’s perfect for a satisfying meal.
This recipe takes the classic split pea soup and gives it a vegetarian twist by replacing the ham with other savory ingredients. The base of the soup is still split peas, carrots, celery, and onions, but the addition of vegetable stock, lemon juice, and a variety of seasonings creates a complex and satisfying flavor profile.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious vegetarian split pea soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup dried split peas, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable stock
- 4 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in the rinsed split peas, vegetable stock, water, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the split peas are tender.
- Once the soup is cooked through, use an immersion blender or transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth. You can also leave the soup partially unblended for a more chunky texture, if desired.
- Stir in the lemon juice and taste the soup, adjusting the seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips:
- For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste along with the chopped vegetables in step 1.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can simply transfer the soup to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- This soup is also delicious topped with a dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
This vegetarian split pea soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold winter day. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein. So next time you’re looking for a comforting and delicious soup recipe, give this vegetarian split pea soup a try!
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