Flavorful Spicy Split Pea Soup
This vibrant and hearty Spicy Split Pea Soup is a delightful vegetarian and vegan twist on a classic dish. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup is brimming with flavor from fresh vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a satisfying option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy meal that's also delicious. My son absolutely loved it! After experimenting with various spices, I discovered a blend that balances warmth and depth, adding a kick of cayenne and crushed red pepper for those who crave more heat. Perfect as a cozy meal on a chilly day, this soup is sure to impress both spice lovers and those who prefer milder flavors alike. It’s not only easy to make but also offers flexibility; you can adjust the spice levels to suit your family’s preferences. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a complete and nourishing experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
split peas
2 cups (Rinsed and sorted)
sweet onions
2 cups (Diced)
fresh garlic
2 tablespoons (Diced)
carrot
1 large (Diced)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (Used for sautéing)
vegetable broth or chicken broth
6 cups (Store-bought or homemade)
celery salt
1 dash (For seasoning)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (For seasoning)
ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon (For seasoning)
crushed red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon (Optional, for spice)
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Optional, for additional heat)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (For finishing)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the split peas in a strainer under cold water, removing any discolored peas or debris. Set aside.
2
Prepare the vegetables by dicing the carrot, onion, and garlic. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
3
In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and carrot.
4
Sauté the onion and carrot for about 3-5 minutes, until the onions turn translucent and soft. Avoid browning them for a sweeter flavor.
5
Create a well in the center of the pan and add the diced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and translucent. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6
Transfer the rinsed split peas to a large stockpot and add 6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth.
7
Add the sautéed onion, carrot, and garlic mixture into the stockpot with the split peas.
8
Season the soup with celery salt, ground cumin, ground thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, and fresh ground pepper to taste. Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
9
Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Allow the soup to simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the soup thickens to your desired consistency.
10
If desired, separate the soup into portions at the end, keeping it mild for those who prefer less spice. Serve hot with fresh herbs or crusty bread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Flavorful Spicy Split Pea Soup?
This vibrant and hearty soup is a vegetarian and vegan twist on the classic dish, packed with fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.
Is this soup vegan?
Yes, this soup is vegan-friendly as long as you use vegetable broth.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
How many cups of split peas are required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of split peas, rinsed and sorted.
What type of onions should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 cups of diced sweet onions.
How much garlic is needed?
You should use 2 tablespoons of diced fresh garlic.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of broth is recommended?
You can use 6 cups of either vegetable broth or chicken broth.
How much broth is used in total?
The recipe calls for 6 cups of broth.
What spices make the soup spicy?
The heat comes from crushed red pepper flakes and ground cayenne pepper.
What are the primary seasonings?
The seasonings include celery salt, ground cumin, ground thyme, and fresh ground pepper.
How long does the cooking process take?
After sautéing the vegetables, the soup simmers for 30 to 60 minutes.
Do I need to soak the split peas?
No, you only need to rinse and sort the split peas before cooking.
How should the carrots be prepared?
You should dice one large carrot into uniform pieces for even cooking.
How long should I sauté the onions and carrots?
Sauté them for about 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Dice the garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant and translucent.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
Yes, the spice levels can be adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne.
What should I serve with this split pea soup?
It is delicious served with crusty bread or fresh herbs for a complete meal.
Is this soup suitable for children?
Yes, you can keep the soup mild for children while adding more spice to individual adult portions.
How many cups of onions are used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of diced sweet onions.
Should I brown the onions while sautéing?
No, you should avoid browning them to ensure a sweeter flavor.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for seasoning.
How much thyme is used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground thyme.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to rinse the split peas in a strainer under cold water.
Does the soup thicken as it cooks?
Yes, the soup will thicken to your desired consistency as the peas simmer.
Can I use store-bought broth?
Yes, either store-bought or homemade broth works well for this recipe.
How much red pepper flakes are used?
The recipe suggests 1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
How much cayenne pepper is needed?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
Is this soup a good comfort food?
Yes, it is a perfect cozy meal for a chilly day.
Is this a nutritious meal?
Yes, it is a healthy, plant-based meal packed with fiber and fresh vegetables.