Name: Vegetarian Split Pea Soup
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: PT-490913H41M1S
Total time: PT-490913H41M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 6 cups vegetable broth; 1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over; 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 2 bay leaves; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Description

A smoky, hearty, and completely vegetarian split pea soup that uses smoked paprika to achieve a savory depth without meat.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 large carrots, peeled and diced
2 ribs celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
6 cups vegetable broth
1 pound dried green split peas, rinsed and picked over
2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

Sort through the dry split peas to remove any debris, then rinse them thoroughly in a colander under cold water.
In a large heavy pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables are softened and onions are translucent.
Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the split peas, diced potatoes, and bay leaves. Raise the heat to bring the liquid to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover with the lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 65 to 80 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until peas have broken down and soup is creamy.
Remove the bay leaves. Stir in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

If you want an even smokier flavor, you can add a drop or two of liquid smoke. The soup thickens significantly as it cools; add water when reheating to loosen it up.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cooling Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 1 hr 15 min
Category: Dinner
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 310
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 18g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: vegetarian split pea soup, meatless soup recipe, healthy dinner, vegan split pea, hearty winter soup