Imagine a soul-warming, protein-packed soup that's not only incredibly delicious but also completely plant-based and ready in under 45 minutes! This Vegan Split Pea Soup is the ultimate one-pot wonder that will transform your dinner routine and leave you craving more. Packed with nutritious vegetables and hearty split peas, this Instant Pot recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal that's both incredibly simple to make and devastatingly delectable.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Vegan
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup split peas, rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing the split peas under cold water in a fine-mesh strainer. This helps remove any dirt or impurities. Set aside.
- Prepare your vegetables: chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Turn on your Instant Pot and select the 'Sauté' function. Allow it to heat up for a couple of minutes.
- Add a splash of vegetable broth (or a small amount of water) to the pot to prevent sticking. Then, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, until fragrant.
- Next, add the rinsed split peas to the pot along with the remaining vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle in the thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir again to ensure all ingredients are mixed well.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to 'Sealing'. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' function and set the timer for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to 'Venting' to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and stir the soup. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup until smooth, or you can transfer a portion to a blender and blend it, then return it to the pot.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the split pea soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs or croutons if desired. Enjoy your warm and hearty vegan meal!
Tips
- Always rinse your split peas thoroughly to remove any debris and ensure a clean, fresh taste.
- Don't skip the sautéing step - it helps develop deeper flavor profiles in your vegetables.
- For an extra creamy texture, blend about 1/3 of the soup before serving.
- If the soup is too thick after cooking, simply add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or chives make an excellent garnish and add a bright, fresh finish.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a double batch for future quick meals.
- For added protein, consider topping with crispy roasted chickpeas or vegan croutons.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
