This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, INUMAMI may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we genuinely use and trust and your support means the world to us.
Split pea soup is not just a recipe: it’s a feeling. It’s the kind of dish that warms slowly, that fills the kitchen with a quiet, comforting aroma, and that asks you to slow down for a moment. Thick, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, it’s a soup that feels more like a complete meal than a simple starter.
Made with simple ingredients, this vegan split pea soup transforms into something rich and full of depth, with a naturally creamy texture that doesn’t rely on dairy. It’s wholesome, grounding, and surprisingly filling, perfect for colder days or whenever you’re looking for something that truly satisfies.
In this recipe, you’ll find everything you need to make it perfectly: from the ingredients that build flavor, to step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and the full recipe card below.
Ingredients for Vegan Split Pea Soup
The ingredients for this soup are simple, affordable, and often already in your pantry. It’s a recipe built on essentials, where a few humble elements come together to create something deeply nourishing and full of flavor.
Split Peas (The Heart of the Soup)
- Dried split peas (earthy, creamy when cooked, naturally rich in protein)
Split peas are the foundation of this soup. As they cook, they break down naturally, creating a thick and velvety texture without the need for cream.
Vegetables (Flavor Base)
- Onion (sweetness and depth)
- Carrots (soft sweetness)
- Celery (fresh, slightly herbal note)
This classic trio builds the base of the soup, adding balance and complexity to the final flavor.
Potatoes (Natural Creaminess)
- Potatoes (soft, starchy, naturally creamy)
A small amount of potatoes helps enhance the texture of the soup, making it even more velvety and smooth. They blend seamlessly into the split peas, adding body and creaminess without altering the flavor.
Aromatics & Seasoning (Character & Warmth)
- Garlic (depth and intensity)
- Olive oil (roundness and smoothness)
- Fresh or dried herbs (aromatic lift and balance)
- Thyme (warm, slightly earthy)
- Mint (fresh, bright contrast)
- Salt & black pepper
These ingredients shape the overall character of the soup, enhancing its natural richness while adding layers of aroma and freshness.
Whole Peas (Texture & Finishing)
- Whole peas (light, slightly sweet, crisp when cooked)
Used as a finishing element, whole peas add contrast to the smooth texture of the soup. They can be sautéed or lightly roasted until slightly crisp, bringing a fresh bite and a subtle sweetness that balances the depth of the soup.
Nutritional Yeast (Umami & Depth)
- Nutritional yeast (savory, slightly “cheesy”, rich in umami)
A key ingredient in plant-based cooking, nutritional yeast adds depth and a subtle cheese-like note to the soup, enhancing its overall richness. It is also often fortified with vitamin B12, making it a valuable addition from a nutritional perspective.
How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup Step by Step
For the exact measurements and full ingredient list, you’ll find everything in the recipe card below. Here, we focus on the process: how to build the split pea soup step by step so it develops depth, creaminess, and the right final texture.
Step 1. Build the flavor base
Chop the vegetables. Heat a little olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, along with the herbs (thyme and mint), and cook them gently until softened and fragrant. This first step is essential, as it creates the aromatic base of the soup and allows the herbs to release their flavor into the oil, giving depth and character to the final dish.
Step 2. Add the potatoes and split peas
Once the vegetables have softened, add the potatoes and the dried split peas. Season lightly with salt at this stage, then stir everything together so the ingredients absorb the flavor of the aromatics before adding the liquid.
Step 3. Add the broth and cook gently
Pour in the vegetable broth and add a drizzle of olive oil. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let the soup cook gently. If needed, you can add a little water during cooking to adjust the consistency and ensure the peas cook evenly without becoming too thick.
Step 4. Cook until soft and creamy
Let the soup cook until the split peas have fully softened and started to break down. As they cook, they naturally release starch into the broth, thickening the soup and creating a smooth, creamy texture without the need for added cream.
Step 5. Prepare the crispy peas
While the soup finishes cooking, prepare the whole peas for the topping. Boil them and then sauté them in a pan with a little oil, or roast them briefly, until they become slightly crisp on the outside. This final touch adds contrast, freshness, and a more interesting bite to the dish.
Step 6. Blend to your preferred texture
Once everything is fully cooked, blend the soup until smooth, or leave part of it unblended if you prefer a slightly more rustic texture. At this stage, you can also add the nutritional yeast to deepen the flavor and give the soup a more rounded, umami finish.
Step 7. Taste and adjust
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little more salt, pepper, or nutritional yeast can make all the difference.
Step 8. Serve and finish
Serve the soup hot, then top with the crispy peas and any additional finishing touches you like. The result should feel rich but not heavy, creamy but still alive with texture.
Bonus: Add a fresh and creamy finish
For an extra layer of contrast, you can finish the soup with a spoon of plant-based yogurt, such as coconut or soy yogurt. Add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice on top to bring brightness and balance to the dish. This combination enhances both flavor and nutrition, vitamin C helps improve the absorption of non-heme iron found in plant-based foods like split peas.
Substitutions & Variations
This vegan split pea soup is naturally simple and flexible. You can easily adapt it based on what you have available, while still achieving a rich, delicious result.
Split Peas
You can use either green or yellow split peas.
- Green split peas (slightly earthier, deeper flavor)
- Yellow split peas (milder, more delicate)
Both work well and create a naturally creamy texture.
Vegetables
You can adjust the vegetable base depending on what you have:
- Leek instead of onion (softer, sweeter flavor)
- Sweet potato instead of regular potato (slightly sweeter, more comforting)
- Add spinach or greens at the end (for freshness and color)
The key is to keep a balance between sweetness and depth.
Broth
You can use:
- Homemade vegetable broth (deeper flavor)
- Store-bought broth (quick solution)
- Water + seasoning (simpler, but still works)
- Hot water with a teaspoon of miso paste (rich in umami, deeper and more complex flavor)
Using miso paste is a great alternative, as it adds depth and savoriness to the soup, compensating for the lack of a traditional broth.
Oil-Free Option
If you prefer to avoid oil, you can sauté the vegetables with a splash of water instead. The result will be lighter, but still flavorful.
Toppings
If you don’t want to use crispy peas, you can try:
- Toasted seeds (crunchy, nutty)
- Gluten Free Croutons (more texture)
- A drizzle of olive oil (simple and rich)
What Are Split Peas (And Why Not Use Whole Peas?)
Split peas are dried peas that have been peeled and split in half. This process allows them to cook faster and, most importantly, to break down naturally during cooking, creating a thick and creamy texture without the need for blending or added ingredients. Because they are hulled, they are also generally easier to digest compared to whole peas. This is exactly why they are used for soups like this one.
Whole dried peas, on the other hand, behave differently. They tend to hold their shape even after long cooking, resulting in a texture that is firmer and less cohesive. While they can still be used in soups, they won’t create the same naturally velvety consistency that makes split pea soup so comforting and satisfying. In short, split peas are what give this dish its signature texture: soft, rich, and almost creamy.
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions about this vegan split pea soup. If you have a more specific question or something we haven’t covered, feel free to leave it in the comments, we’ll be happy to help!
Traditional split pea soup often includes animal-based ingredients such as meat broth, butter, or even grated cheese to add richness and depth. However, it can easily be made vegan. This version uses plant-based ingredients and aromatics to build flavor naturally, resulting in a soup that is just as rich and satisfying without any animal products.
Vegan split pea soup typically takes about 40–60 minutes to cook, depending on the type of split peas and the desired consistency. The peas should be fully softened and starting to break down
You can store vegan split pea soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. It will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a little water or broth when reheating.
Yes, this soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding liquid if needed.
Split pea soup naturally thickens as the peas release starch during cooking. If it becomes too thick, simply add water or broth to adjust the consistency.
Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups Dried Split Peas
- 1 Medium Onion, Finely Chopped
- 2 Carrots, Diced
- 2 Celery Stalks, Diced
- 1 Potato, Diced
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 ½ tbsp Olive Oil
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1 tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1 ½ tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 pinch Fine Sea Salt
- To Taste Black Pepper
Instructions
- Start by heating a little olive oil in a large pot. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic, along with the herbs (thyme and mint), and cook them gently until softened and fragrant.
- Once the vegetables have softened, add the potatoes and the dried split peas. Season lightly with salt at this stage, then stir everything together so the ingredients absorb the flavor of the aromatics before adding the liquid.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add a drizzle of olive oil. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and let the soup cook gently.
- While the soup finishes cooking, prepare the whole peas for the topping. Boil them and then sauté them in a pan with a little oil, or roast them briefly, until they become slightly crisp on the outside.
- Once everything is fully cooked, blend the soup until smooth, or leave part of it unblended if you prefer a slightly more rustic texture. At this stage, you can also add the nutritional yeast to deepen the flavour.
- Serve the soup hot, then top with the crispy peas and any additional finishing touches you like. The result should feel rich but not heavy, creamy but still alive with texture.
Notes
Nutrition
Sign up to receive a complete guide to umami and discover how to add flavour, richness, and depth to plant-based dishes.