Vegetarian Split Pea Soup Recipe

Here’s a flavorful and hearty Vegetarian Split Pea Soup recipe for the Instant Pot that elevates the classic dish with additional vegetables and spices.

Hearty Vegetarian Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot

Ingredients:

• Base:
• 1 lb dried green split peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Vegetables:
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (Yukon gold or russet)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• Spices:
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Liquid:
• 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
• Finishing Touch:
• Salt to taste
• Juice of half a lemon (optional for brightness)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics:

• Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode.
• Add the olive oil and heat it up.
• Sauté the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

1. Add Vegetables and Spices:

• Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and potato.
• Add the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, thyme, cumin, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.

1. Add Split Peas and Broth:

• Add the rinsed split peas to the pot.
• Pour in the vegetable broth and give everything a good stir to combine.

1. Pressure Cook:

• Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
• Set it to manual mode and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• It will take about 10-15 minutes for the pot to come to pressure before cooking starts.

1. Release Pressure:

• Once cooking is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release for any remaining pressure.

1. Blend (Optional):

• For a creamier texture, use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup directly in the pot. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion to a blender and blend until smooth.

1. Season and Serve:

• Taste the soup and add salt as needed.
• For an extra layer of flavor, stir in the lemon juice just before serving.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

Tips:

• Storage: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen for up to three months.
• Add Greens: For added nutrition, stir in a couple of cups of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Garnish: Top with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving for a pop of color and flavor.

Enjoy this comforting and nutritious vegetarian split pea soup!