Hearty Vegetarian Split Pea and Vegetable Soup
Warm up with this deliciously hearty Vegetarian Split Pea and Vegetable Soup, packed with protein and nutrients from split peas and a medley of fresh vegetables. This comforting, plant-based soup is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep for the week ahead. It’s easy to make, versatile, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and garnishes. The addition of balsamic vinegar adds a wonderfully tangy touch, enhancing the flavors of the vegetables and peas. Serve it with a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty finish, and enjoy a nourishing bowl that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried split peas
3 cups (rinsed and sorted)
Water or Vegetable stock
7 cups (may need more as needed)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Dry mustard
1 teaspoon (mixed in)
Onions
2 cups (minced)
Garlic cloves
4 (minced)
Celery
3 stalks (minced)
Carrots
2 medium (sliced)
Potato
1 medium (diced)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Balsamic vinegar
1-4 tablespoons (to taste)
Sesame oil
optional (for drizzling)
Fresh ripe tomatoes
optional (diced for garnish)
Fresh parsley
optional (minced for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, combine the dried split peas, water or vegetable stock, bay leaf, salt, and dry mustard.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the split peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
3
Add the minced onions, garlic, celery, sliced carrots, and diced potato directly into the pot. If preferred, you can sauté the vegetables in a separate pan before adding them, though adding them raw keeps the soup fat-free.
4
Continue to simmer the soup partially covered for an additional 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remember to check the consistency and add more water or stock as needed.
5
Once the vegetables and split peas are tender, season the soup to taste with fresh ground black pepper and balsamic vinegar. Adjust the vinegar to your desired tanginess.
6
Serve the soup hot, drizzling with sesame oil if using, and garnish with diced tomatoes and minced parsley for added freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Hearty Vegetarian Split Pea and Vegetable Soup.
Is this soup recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, it is a plant-based, vegetarian soup packed with protein and nutrients.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What is the primary source of protein in this soup?
The primary protein source is 3 cups of dried split peas.
How should the split peas be prepared before cooking?
The dried split peas should be rinsed and sorted before being added to the pot.
How much liquid is required for the soup base?
The recipe requires 7 cups of water or vegetable stock, with more added as needed for consistency.
What is the purpose of adding balsamic vinegar to the soup?
Balsamic vinegar adds a tangy touch that enhances the flavors of the vegetables and peas.
Is sesame oil necessary for this recipe?
No, sesame oil is optional and used for drizzling to provide a nutty finish.
What type of mustard is used in this soup?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dry mustard.
How long do the split peas simmer before the vegetables are added?
The split peas simmer partially covered for about 20 minutes initially.
Which fresh vegetables are included in the soup?
The soup includes onions, garlic, celery, carrots, and a medium potato.
Can this soup be made fat-free?
Yes, adding the vegetables raw directly into the pot keeps the soup fat-free.
How long is the second simmering period after adding vegetables?
The soup should simmer for an additional 40 minutes once the vegetables are added.
What are the recommended garnishes?
Recommended garnishes include diced fresh tomatoes and minced parsley.
Is this recipe good for meal planning?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep for the week ahead.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 4 minced garlic cloves.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 cups of minced onions.
What should I do if the soup becomes too thick during simmering?
You should check the consistency and add more water or vegetable stock as needed.
How many stalks of celery are needed?
Three stalks of celery, minced, are required.
How much balsamic vinegar should be added?
You can add between 1 to 4 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, adjusted to your desired tanginess.
What are the primary seasonings used in this soup?
The primary seasonings are salt, dry mustard, bay leaf, and fresh ground black pepper.
Can the vegetables be sautéed before adding them to the pot?
Yes, if preferred, you can sauté the vegetables in a separate pan before adding them.
How many carrots does the recipe call for?
The recipe calls for 2 medium carrots, sliced.
What type of potato preparation is required?
One medium potato should be diced before being added to the soup.
Is there a bay leaf in the recipe?
Yes, one whole bay leaf is simmered with the split peas.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
It is categorized as a vegetarian soup and comfort food.
What is the total estimated simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 60 minutes.
Can I use water instead of vegetable stock?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 7 cups of water or vegetable stock.
What is the texture of the soup?
The soup is described as hearty, comforting, and nutrient-dense.
When should the black pepper be added?
Fresh ground black pepper should be added to taste once the vegetables and peas are tender.