Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe

Split peas: These are the star of the soup, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor when cooked.

Onion: Adds a savory depth to the soup.

Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its aromatic quality.

Vegetable broth: Serves as the flavorful liquid base for the soup.

Water: Helps to achieve the desired consistency.

Carrots: Adds a touch of sweetness and color.

Celery: Provides a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.

Dried thyme: Infuses the soup with a warm, herbaceous note.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and complexity.

When sautéing the onion and garlic in the Instant Pot, make sure to use a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil for a healthier option. This method not only softens the vegetables but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the base of your soup.

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

• onion - Substitute with leek: Leeks provide a milder flavor and can add a subtle sweetness to the soup.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can provide a similar aromatic quality to the soup.

• vegetable broth - Substitute with mushroom broth: Mushroom broth adds a rich, umami flavor that enhances the depth of the soup.

• water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water can add a slight sweetness and additional nutrients to the soup.

• carrots - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a similar texture with a sweeter flavor and additional nutrients.

• celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel provides a similar crunch and a slight anise flavor that can add complexity to the soup.

• dried thyme - Substitute with dried oregano: Dried oregano offers a different but complementary herbal note that can enhance the soup's flavor.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness along with a depth of umami flavor.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile that can be more subtle.

• Allow the split pea soup to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the soup.

• For refrigeration, transfer the soup into airtight containers. Glass containers with tight-fitting lids are ideal for preserving the freshness. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• If you plan to freeze the soup, portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave some space at the top of the container or bag to allow for expansion as the soup freezes.

• Label the containers or bags with the date and contents. This helps you keep track of how long the soup has been stored and ensures you use it within a safe timeframe.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process 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 reheat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute to ensure even heating.

• If the soup has thickened too much during storage, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of salt and black pepper if needed.

• Enjoy your reheated Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

• Stovetop Method: Pour the leftover split pea soup into a saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the soup is heated through. Add a splash of vegetable broth or water if the soup has thickened too much.

• Microwave Method: Transfer the soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 1-minute increments until the soup is hot.

• Instant Pot Method: Pour the leftover soup back into the Instant Pot. Set to the sauté mode and heat, stirring occasionally, until the soup is warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add a bit of vegetable broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the soup is hot. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

• Instant Pot: This is the main cooking device used to prepare the soup. It combines sautéing and pressure cooking functions to make the process efficient.

• Sauté function: This feature on the Instant Pot allows you to sauté the onions and garlic directly in the pot, eliminating the need for a separate pan.

• Pressure cook setting: This setting on the Instant Pot is used to cook the soup under high pressure, significantly reducing the cooking time.

• Lid: The lid of the Instant Pot is essential for sealing the pot and allowing it to build up pressure for cooking.

• Valve: The valve on the Instant Pot controls the release of pressure. It needs to be set to sealing during cooking and then switched to venting for quick release.

• Measuring cups: These are used to measure out the split peas, vegetable broth, and water accurately.

• Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for dicing the onion, carrots, and celery.

• Cutting board: This provides a safe and sturdy surface for chopping the vegetables.

• Wooden spoon: This is used for stirring the ingredients together in the Instant Pot.

• Garlic press: This tool is handy for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and efficiently.

• Serving ladle: This is used to serve the hot soup into bowls once it is ready.

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice the onion, carrots, and celery in advance and store them in the fridge to save time.

Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for jarred minced garlic to skip the peeling and chopping.

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

Quick release pressure: After the natural release, use the quick release to save a few extra minutes.

Pre-measure spices: Measure out the thyme, salt, and pepper before starting to streamline the cooking process.