Hearty Vegetarian Split Pea and Rice Soup
This nourishing soup combines the earthy flavor of split peas with the fullness of long grain rice, creating a hearty, satisfying meal that is perfect for chilly days. Cooking in a crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time. This adaptation significantly reduces sodium compared to canned options, providing a healthy homemade alternative that's as convenient as it is delicious.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (finely minced)
celery ribs
2 (chopped)
carrots
2 (chopped)
dried split peas
16 ounces (rinsed and cleaned)
water
as needed (to half fill the crock pot)
regular uncooked long grain rice
1 cup (none)
reduced-fat margarine
1/4 cup (none)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Heat a large frying pan over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, celery, and carrots until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart crock pot.
3
Add the rinsed split peas to the crock pot, followed by enough water to fill the pot to half its capacity. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on high heat for 4 hours, or until the peas are tender and beginning to break down.
5
Stir in the uncooked long grain rice, ensuring it's evenly distributed. Cover and continue cooking for an additional 2 hours on high, checking occasionally and adding more water if necessary to maintain a half-full pot.
6
Once the rice is tender, stir in ground black pepper and reduced-fat margarine until the margarine has melted and been incorporated. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Vegetarian Split Pea and Rice Soup.
Is this soup suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed as a vegetarian meal.
What type of rice should I use?
You should use 1 cup of regular uncooked long grain rice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What size crock pot is required?
A 6-quart crock pot is recommended for this recipe.
How long do the split peas need to cook on their own?
The split peas should cook for 4 hours on high heat before adding the rice.
How much additional time is needed once the rice is added?
Once the rice is added, cook for an additional 2 hours on high heat.
What is the total cooking time in the crock pot?
The total crock pot cooking time is approximately 6 hours on high heat.
Do I need to sauté any ingredients first?
Yes, you should sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and carrots in olive oil before adding them to the crock pot.
What vegetables are in this soup?
The soup includes onion, garlic, celery, and carrots.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
Yes, it is a low-sodium alternative to traditional canned split pea soup.
How many ounces of split peas are used?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of dried split peas.
What type of oil is used for the vegetable base?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much water should be added to the crock pot?
Fill the crock pot with water until it is at half its capacity.
What should I do if the water level drops too low?
Check the pot occasionally and add more water if necessary to maintain a half-full level.
When do I add the black pepper?
Stir in the ground black pepper at the end of the cooking process once the rice is tender.
What role does the margarine play?
Reduced-fat margarine is stirred in at the end to add richness and flavor to the soup.
Is this recipe considered high in fiber?
Yes, it is tagged as a high-fiber meal due to the split peas and vegetables.
How should I prepare the split peas before cooking?
The dried split peas should be rinsed and cleaned before being added to the crock pot.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Yes, the instructions suggest adjusting the seasoning to your preference before serving.
How long should the vegetables be sautéed?
Sauté the vegetables for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are soft and fragrant.
Is the garlic minced or whole?
The recipe calls for 2 garlic cloves that are finely minced.
How many carrots are needed?
The recipe requires 2 carrots, chopped.
How many celery ribs are used?
You will need 2 chopped celery ribs.
Is the rice added cooked or uncooked?
The rice is added to the crock pot uncooked.
What is the description of the flavor profile?
It is described as a hearty, satisfying soup with an earthy flavor from the split peas.
Is this soup good for cold weather?
Yes, it is described as a perfect meal for chilly days.
Does the recipe use dried or fresh split peas?
The recipe uses 16 ounces of dried split peas.
What is the serving size?
The recipe provides for 6 servings, though the specific serving volume is not specified.
Why is it important to fill the pot to half capacity?
Filling the pot halfway ensures even cooking and prevents the ingredients from sticking.