Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These are dried peas that have been peeled and split in half, making them quicker to cook. They add a creamy texture to the soup.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory base flavor to the soup.

Garlic: Provides a pungent and aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and a vibrant color to the soup.

Celery: Contributes a subtle bitterness and a crunchy texture.

Thyme: A dried herb that adds an earthy and slightly minty flavor.

Oregano: A dried herb that brings a warm and slightly bitter taste.

Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the depth of the soup.

Vegetable broth: The liquid base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness to the soup.

To enhance the flavor of your split pea soup, consider adding a bay leaf during the cooking process. The bay leaf will infuse the soup with a subtle depth of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving. Additionally, for a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup after cooking, leaving some vegetables intact for a hearty consistency.

• split peas - Substitute with lentils: Lentils cook faster and have a similar texture, making them a good alternative in soups.

• onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a milder flavor and can be used in the same quantity as onions.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor. Use ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

• carrots - Substitute with parsnips: Parsnips have a slightly sweeter taste and similar texture, making them a good substitute for carrots.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunch and adds a slight anise flavor, which can enhance the soup's taste.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried rosemary: Dried rosemary has a robust flavor that can complement the other herbs in the soup.

• dried oregano - Substitute with dried basil: Dried basil offers a sweet and slightly peppery flavor, which can be a good alternative to oregano.

• smoked paprika - Substitute with regular paprika: Regular paprika can be used if smoked paprika is unavailable, though it will lack the smoky flavor.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with water with bouillon cubes: Bouillon cubes dissolved in water can replicate the flavor of vegetable broth.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor to the soup, but use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, but use it in smaller quantities to avoid making the soup too spicy.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to a watery texture.

• Transfer the soup to airtight containers. For individual servings, use smaller containers to make reheating easier.

• Label the containers with the date. This ensures you keep track of how long the soup has been stored.

• Store the containers in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the soup within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time.

• For longer storage, place the containers in the freezer. The split pea soup can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing its rich, hearty flavor.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. This gradual thawing helps maintain the soup's texture and flavor.

• Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also use the microwave, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring in between.

• If the soup thickens too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

• Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper before serving. The flavors might need a little boost after being stored.

• For stovetop reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover split pea soup into a saucepan.
  2. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.
  4. Once heated through, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

• For microwave reheating:

  1. Transfer a portion of the soup to a microwave-safe bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or a plate to prevent splatters.
  3. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  4. Check the temperature and heat in additional 30-second increments if needed.

• For Instant Pot reheating:

  1. Pour the leftover split pea soup back into the Instant Pot.
  2. Set the Instant Pot to the sauté mode.
  3. Stir occasionally and heat until the soup reaches the desired temperature.
  4. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of vegetable broth or water to adjust the consistency.

• For oven reheating:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish.
  3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  4. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  5. Check the temperature and heat for an additional 5-10 minutes if necessary.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking appliance used to prepare the soup. It allows for sautéing, pressure cooking, and maintaining a consistent temperature.

• Sauté function: A feature on the Instant Pot that allows you to sauté ingredients directly in the pot, eliminating the need for a separate pan.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the split peas and vegetable broth accurately.

• Cutting board: A surface on which you can chop the vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife used for chopping the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Garlic press: An optional tool to mince the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Wooden spoon: Used to stir the ingredients in the Instant Pot.

• Ladle: Used for serving the soup once it’s ready.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the dried thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika.

• Mixing bowl: An optional tool for holding the chopped vegetables before adding them to the Instant Pot.

Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge.

Use pre-made broth: Opt for store-bought vegetable broth to save time on making your own.

Rinse split peas ahead: Rinse and sort the split peas the night before to streamline your cooking process.

Quick sauté: Use the sauté mode on the Instant Pot to quickly soften the onion and garlic.

Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick meal later.