Why You’ll Love This Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious meal, you’ll love this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup recipe. I can’t get enough of its rich, comforting flavor and filling texture. It’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying option for any time of day. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! I enjoy how I can throw in veggies I’ve on hand, and it always turns out delicious. The aroma that fills my kitchen while it simmers is simply irresistible. Whether I’m serving it to guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup never disappoints!
Ingredients of Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
When it comes to whipping up a cozy dish that warms both the heart and the belly, this Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is a top contender. It’s chock-full of wholesome ingredients that not only taste great together but also make your kitchen smell divine as they simmer away.
Plus, you get to feel like a kitchen hero for creating something delicious from simple pantry staples. If you’re wondering what you need to gather before diving into this culinary adventure, here’s the rundown of ingredients that will transform your kitchen into a fragrant soup haven.
- 2 cups split peas, rinsed and sorted
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 turnip, peeled and diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup brown rice, uncooked
- 8 ounces spinach, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water (or more as needed)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Now, let’s talk about the fun part—substitutions and personal touches. If you don’t have all these ingredients, don’t sweat it! This soup is like a blank canvas.
Got some leftover veggies in the fridge? Toss them in. Maybe you have kale instead of spinach? Perfect. Want to skip the brown rice? You could use quinoa or just leave it out entirely.
The magic of this recipe is its flexibility; it’s forgiving and adapts to whatever you have on hand. Just remember to keep an eye on that water level while it simmers, or you might end up with a thick paste instead of a lovely soup. Trust me, it’s a lesson learned the hard way!
How to Make Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking this delightful Vegetarian Split Pea Soup. To start, grab your large soup pot and pour in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium heat until it shimmers—just like your excitement when you realize you’re about to have a warm, hearty meal.
Once it’s hot, toss in the diced onion (1 onion) and sliced celery (2 celery ribs). Sauté them until they soften and release that sweet aroma, which usually takes about five minutes. If you’re like me, you might even sneak a taste of the onions to see if they’re at the right level of tenderness—just be careful not to burn your tongue.
After the onion and celery have done their thing, it’s time to bring in the big guns: add your sliced carrots (2 carrots), diced turnip (1 turnip), and diced potato (1 medium potato) to the pot. Let these veggies hang out with the onions and celery for another five minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to mingle and get to know each other, right?
Once they’re all cozy, it’s time to add the real stars of the show: the 2 cups of rinsed split peas, 1 cup of uncooked brown rice, 8 ounces of chopped spinach, 4 cups of vegetable broth, and 4 cups of water. Stir everything together and let it simmer. Here’s where the magic happens. You’ll need to keep an eye on it for about 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
If it starts to look like a thick paste, don’t panic—just add more water or broth. Seriously, nobody wants a split pea paste disaster.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper to taste. This is the moment when your kitchen will start to smell like a warm hug. Just imagine your friends or family walking in, asking, “What’s that amazing smell?”
And you can proudly say, “Oh, just my delicious Vegetarian Split Pea Soup.” Once it’s all done, serve it up warm, and get ready for some compliments. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for those chilly days when all you want is a bowl of something homemade. Enjoy!
Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Substitutions & Variations
While sticking to the classic recipe for Vegetarian Split Pea Soup is fantastic, exploring substitutions and variations can elevate your dish and cater to personal tastes.
For instance, you can swap out the brown rice for quinoa or barley for a different texture. If you’re craving extra flavor, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. You could also toss in your favorite vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
For a creamy twist, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in. Experimenting with spices or herbs, like thyme or rosemary, can truly make your soup unique!
Additional Tips & Notes
Exploring substitutions and variations can enhance your Vegetarian Split Pea Soup, but there are also important tips to keep in mind for the best results.
First, soak the split peas for a few hours to reduce cooking time. Don’t skip stirring occasionally; it prevents sticking and guarantees even cooking.
If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before serving. Always taste and adjust seasoning towards the end, as flavors develop during cooking.
Finally, store leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll keep well in the fridge for about three days. Enjoy your delicious creation!