Instant Pot vegan split pea soup is a hearty, protein-rich, and budget-friendly meal made with simple pantry ingredients. This thick and comforting soup is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and comes together effortlessly in the Instant Pot—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Split Pea Soup
- Thick, creamy texture without any cream
- Made in one pot using the Instant Pot
- High in plant-based protein and fiber
- Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free
- Budget-friendly and great for meal prep
Similar to Chickpea Pasta with Broccoli and Chipotle Tofu Sofritas, this Split pea soup without ham is my favorite high protein vegetarian meals.
Ingredients for Vegan Split Pea Soup
See the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- Green split peas : You can find green or yellow split peas in most grocery store. They have a long shelf life so stock up to create easy pantry meals on rainy or snowy day. For this recipe, we’re using green split peas.
- Olive oil : For Sautéing the ingredients
- Vegetables : Medley of onions, red potatoes and carrots. It makes this soup more hearty and satisfying.
- Worcestershire sauce: You can substitute liquid coconut amino to make it gluten free.
- Flavoring : Minced garlic, bay leaf and dry thyme, low sodium vegetable broth, red pepper flakes, salt and black pepper
Pro Tip👉 Drizzle some lemon juice to bring freshness and smoked paprika to bring out smoky flavors.
Step by Step Instructions
- Turn on the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and add the oil. When it displays HOT, add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent. Add garlic and continue to sauté for a minute. Stir in rest of veggies and seasoning and give a good mix.
- Now add the washed and rinsed green split peas. Stir well so everything is coated and mixed well. Stir in vegetables broth or water. Check the taste of the seasoning.
- Press Cancel. Close the InstantPot lid with vent in sealing position. Select MANUAL setting. InstantPot will come to pressure and do the cooking. For slightly al dente peas, cook for 7 minutes at high pressure. Otherwise, cook for 10 minutes.
- Once Instant Pot finishes cooking , wait for 5 minutes and release the leftover pressure. Open the lid.
- Remove bay leaf and stir the mixture well. Sprinkle some red pepper flakes and fresh black pepper on the top. Serve warm with crusty bread or fresh green salad on the side. Enjoy !
I like to serve this soup with simple salad and Baked Kale Chips for an easy and scrumptious dinner. It is so filling that it can be a meal on it's own or can be used as a side dish with Creamy Tomato Pasta or Sheet Pan Gnocchi for a cozy meatless dinner.
Storage and Meal Prep
You can easily double the recipe and use it for 2-3 meals. This soup is freezer friendly. To freeze leftover soup, let it cool completely and then store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw out in the refrigerator overnight, heat up and use promptly. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Split pea soup thickens substantially over time. So add water or broth to make it thinner when reheating.
Tips for the Best Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
- Rinse split peas thoroughly before cooking
- Don’t skip sautéing—it builds flavor
- Adjust thickness with water or broth after cooking
- Add smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor
- Let the soup sit—it thickens as it cools
FAQ
Generally the split peas cook much quicker than beans. So you don't need to pre- soak them overnight. They cook smoothly in pressure cooker like Instant Pot in just about 10 minutes. Just rinse them though under cold water before cooking.
Split peas are loaded with glowing healthy stuff. They packs a ton of plant-based protein; soluble fiber; B vitamins; and complex carbohydrates. The soluble fiber helps with better nutrient absorption. No wonder it keeps you full and satiated for extended periods of time.
Yes, yellow split peas work just as well and have a slightly milder flavor.
Our Favorite Instant Pot Soup Recipes
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📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb. green split peas rinsed well under cold water
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 medium red potatoes diced
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 Tablespoon garlic minced
- 6 cups low sodium vegetable broth or water
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dry thyme or 6 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- salt, pepper, red pepper flakes per taste
Instructions
Instant Pot Directions:
- Turn on the Sauté button on your Instant Pot and add the oil. When it displays HOT, add the onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly translucent. Add garlic and continue to sauté for a minute. Add rest of veggies and seasoning and give a good mix.
- Add the washed and rinsed green split peas. Stir well so everything is coated and mixed well. Stir in vegetables broth or water. Check the taste of the seasoning.
- Press Cancel. Close the Instant Pot lid with vent in sealing position. Select MANUAL setting. InstantPot will come to pressure and do the cooking. For slightly al dente peas, cook for 7 minutes at high pressure. Otherwise, cook for 10 minutes instead.
- Once Instant Pot is done cooking, wait for 5 minutes and then quick-release pressure (QPR) by turning the valve to venting.
- Carefully open the lid. Remove bay leaf and stir the mixture well. Sprinkle some fresh black pepper on the top. Serve warm with crusty bread or fresh green salad on the side.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- To cook this soup in a slow cooker, sauté all the aromatics first, then add all the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker. Add water and/or broth. Mix well. Then cook for 4-6 hours until tender.
Stove Top Instructions
- Just follow the instructions as above, but use a large stockpot or Dutch oven and simmer on medium low until the peas are soft and tender. ( about 20-25 minutes)
Notes
- For slightly al dente peas cook for 7 minutes at high pressure.
- For softer, mushier peas, cook for 10 minutes on high pressure.
- For well soaked peas use 5-7 minutes at high pressure.
Nutrition
This instant pot vegan split pea soup recipe was originally published on ProfusionCurry website on February 2019.
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Gwen
Worcestershire sauce is not vegan.
admin
There are few vegan Worcestershire sauces that are vegan. Amazon sells them.
Robyn
Absolutely banging recipe!
I found vegan Worcester sauce at my grocery store.
I did omit the oil as I started with my frozen diced onions, celery and carrots. only other change was adding a tish of liquid smoke.
The results are a huge in a bowl and I ate two large bowls as soon as it was completed.
Ben
Amazing. I made olive oil fried garlic thyme croutons with it and it was a real hit in my house. I used a stick blender for about 10 quick pulses to smooth some of the beans into the soup. 5 stars.
Kristen
Hello! For the split peas, it says "rinse and washed." Am I just rinsing them in a colander or do they have to be soaked? Thank you!
admin
They don't need to be soaked.