Let me tell you, there’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, hearty bowl of split pea soup. It’s the kind of dish that hugs you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a bit of soul-soothing nourishment. Now, I know what you might be thinking: ’Split pea soup? That takes hours to cook, right?’ Well, here’s the good news-thank you, Instant Pot! With this magical countertop appliance, you can have a rich, creamy, protein-packed vegetarian split pea soup in under an hour. We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavor, and a dish that’s just as good for weeknight dinners as it is for meal prep.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything: the exact ingredients you need, step-by-step instructions, secret tips that elevate the soup from good to phenomenal, plus some creative variations for when you feel adventurous. So, grab your Instant Pot, and let’s dive into the world of velvety, wholesome split pea soup.
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Instant Pot Recipe
This recipe is not just vegetarian-it’s vibrant, nutritious, and comforting. It’s the perfect blend of earthy split peas, sweet carrots, aromatic onions, fragrant garlic, and warm herbs. When cooked in the Instant Pot, it becomes creamy and luscious without the need for heavy cream or constant stirring. The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and how every spoonful feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a thorough list of what you’ll need. I’ve broken it down for clarity and included optional add-ins that can elevate the flavor:
- Split peas: 1½ cups, rinsed and sorted (green or yellow-both work beautifully)
- Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
- Celery stalks: 2, diced for a subtle aromatic crunch
- Onion: 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- Vegetable broth: 6 cups (or water with a vegetable bouillon cube)
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing veggies)
- Bay leaves: 2, for that extra depth of flavor
- Thyme: 1 teaspoon dried or 1 tablespoon fresh, adds warmth
- Smoked paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional but gives a subtle smoky layer)
- Salt & pepper: To taste
- Optional toppings: Fresh parsley, croutons, a drizzle of olive oil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan (if not strictly vegan)
Cooking Instructions
Cooking this soup in the Instant Pot is wonderfully simple. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect bowl of soup:
- Prep your veggies: Dice carrots, celery, and onion. Mince garlic. Rinse split peas under cold water and pick out any debris.
- Sauté for flavor: Set the Instant Pot to ’Sauté’ mode. Heat the olive oil, add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until onions are translucent and veggies start to soften-about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the rest: Pour in rinsed split peas, vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine.
- Pressure cook: Seal the Instant Pot lid, set it to ’Pressure Cook’ on high for 15 minutes. It will take a few minutes to come to pressure.
- Natural release: Once cooking is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 10-15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Final touches: Remove bay leaves. Use an immersion blender to purée part of the soup for a creamier texture-or leave it chunky if you prefer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil.
Ingredient Insights
Let’s take a closer look at why these ingredients work so well together and what makes them shine:
- Split peas: A powerhouse of protein and fiber. They naturally thicken the soup, giving it a creamy texture without cream.
- Carrots and celery: Classic aromatics that provide sweetness and subtle earthiness.
- Onions & garlic: The flavor foundation. They give the soup depth and aroma.
- Bay leaves & thyme: Infuse the broth with a fragrant herbal warmth.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a mild smokiness, enhancing the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
- Vegetable broth: The liquid backbone. A good-quality broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Expert Tips
Want to take this soup from good to restaurant-quality? Here are some pro tips:
- Rinse your peas thoroughly to avoid grit.
- Sauté the veggies before pressure cooking to intensify flavor.
- Partial blending creates a luxurious texture-blend half for creaminess but leave some chunks for bite.
- Adjust seasoning after cooking. Soup flavors develop as it sits, but salt can always be tweaked.
- Freeze in portions for easy meals later. This soup freezes beautifully and reheats well.
Recipe Variations
Variety keeps life interesting. Here are ways to mix things up:
- Add potatoes: Diced potatoes make the soup even heartier.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for heat.
- Coconut cream swirl: For a slightly exotic twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk.
- Smoky flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked tofu cubes for a vegan smoky twist.
- Lentil & split pea mix: For extra protein and texture, combine with red lentils.
Final Words
This Instant Pot vegetarian split pea soup is a triumph of simplicity meeting comfort food. It’s nourishing, satisfying, and incredibly forgiving-perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a hassle-free dinner. Plus, it’s versatile. With just a few tweaks, you can have a classic, smoky, or even slightly spicy version depending on your mood.
The beauty is in its soul-soothing warmth and effortless preparation. One pot, minimal cleanup, and a bowlful of pure comfort.
FAQs
Can I Make Split Pea Soup In The Instant Pot Without Meat?
Yes, you can make a hearty and flavorful split pea soup entirely vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth. Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic enhances the flavor and texture.
Do I Need To Soak Split Peas Before Cooking Them In The Instant Pot?
No, soaking split peas is not necessary when using the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking function softens the peas efficiently, reducing overall cooking time. Soaking is optional if you want slightly faster cooking and easier digestion.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Vegetarian Split Pea Soup In The Instant Pot?
Cooking time is typically 15-20 minutes on high pressure, followed by a natural release of about 10 minutes. Including prep and sautéing vegetables, the total time is around 35-40 minutes.
Can I Use Dried Herbs Instead Of Fresh Herbs For This Recipe?
Yes, dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley work well in split pea soup. Use about one-third of the amount compared to fresh herbs since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
What Vegetables Work Best In Vegetarian Split Pea Soup?
Classic choices include onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. You can also add potatoes, leeks, or parsnips for extra flavor and texture. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can be added near the end of cooking.
How Can I Make The Soup Creamy Without Using Dairy?
You can achieve a creamy texture by blending part or all of the soup after cooking using an immersion blender or standard blender. Alternatively, adding a small amount of unsweetened plant-based milk can enhance creaminess without altering flavor significantly.
Is It Possible To Freeze Vegetarian Split Pea Soup?
Yes, split pea soup freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the soup thickens too much.
How Do I Prevent Split Peas From Sticking To The Bottom Of The Instant Pot?
To prevent sticking, make sure to stir the peas with the broth before pressure cooking. Using the ’Sauté’ function to lightly cook the vegetables first and ensuring enough liquid is added also helps prevent scorching.
Can I Adjust The Thickness Of The Soup?
Yes, for a thicker soup, cook slightly longer under pressure or blend more of the peas. For a thinner soup, add additional vegetable broth or water after cooking and adjust seasoning as needed.
What Seasonings Complement Vegetarian Split Pea Soup?
Common seasonings include salt, black pepper, thyme, bay leaves, smoked paprika, and a touch of cumin for depth. A splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.