Creamy Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s packed with nourishing ingredients and bursting with flavor. This healthy Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup is the epitome of comfort food – a deeply satisfying, wholesome meal that truly checks all the boxes. It’s one of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy a generous serving of vegetables, powerful plant protein, and essential fiber, all while staying warm and cozy, no matter the weather. This recipe proves that you don’t need animal products to create a classic, hearty soup that everyone will adore.

In every sense of the word, this is a truly feel-good soup. It’s an incredibly delicious and guilt-free indulgence, designed to nourish your body and soul. This vibrant soup is packed with an abundance of fresh vegetables, creating a rich and savory depth of flavor that’s both cozy and incredibly satisfying. It’s meticulously crafted to be 100% plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs and preferences. And thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot, this recipe is not only incredibly convenient and quick to prepare, but it’s also perfectly meal-prep friendly. Imagine having delicious, homemade soup ready for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week!

Transforming a Classic: How to Make Split Pea Soup Vegan

For many, the idea of split pea soup immediately brings to mind a smoky, rich broth typically achieved through the inclusion of a ham hock. However, creating an equally flavorful and satisfying vegan version is not only possible but surprisingly simple. Let’s delve into the nuances of this transformation.

🌱 Why is traditional split pea soup not vegan?

Traditional split pea soup almost always features a smoked ham hock, which plays a crucial dual role in the dish. Firstly, it imparts a deep, fatty richness to the broth and tender vegetables, giving the soup its characteristic mouthfeel and hearty base. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, the ham hock infuses the entire soup with its signature smokiness. This subtle, yet distinct, smoky background flavor is precisely what differentiates classic split pea soup from other vegetable-based stews and defines its beloved character. Replicating this unique combination of richness and smokiness is key to a successful vegan adaptation.

🌱 Can you make split pea soup without a ham hock? Yes, absolutely!

The short answer is a resounding “yes!” We can achieve results that are remarkably similar to the traditional version, without needing any animal products. The secret lies in understanding the function of the ham hock and replacing those functions with plant-based alternatives. To capture that rich, smoky flavor profile, our star ingredient will be a few drops of liquid smoke. Don’t let the name intimidate you; liquid smoke isn’t a hard-to-find specialty item. It’s typically available at most regular grocery stores, often found in the condiment aisle right alongside the ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. I personally found a bottle for less than $2! You can also easily purchase it online here if you prefer. The best part? You only need a tiny amount for each batch, so a single bottle will last an incredibly long time, making it a super cost-effective flavor enhancer for many dishes.

To replicate the fatty richness that a ham hock would traditionally provide, we simply incorporate a touch of vegetable oil when sautéing our aromatic vegetables. This simple step creates a luscious mouthfeel and helps to carry the flavors throughout the soup, mimicking the depth achieved without rendering animal fat. This approach highlights a golden rule when veganizing any recipe: identify what the animal ingredient *does* for the dish, and then find a plant-based alternative that performs the same function. By understanding the “why” behind an ingredient, you unlock the “how” of replacing it. In this instance, we’re utilizing clever seasonings and a bit of oil to masterfully do the job of the ham hock, resulting in a delightfully savory and creamy plant-based soup that’s cherished by vegans and non-vegans alike!

Effortless Cooking: How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot

One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its simplicity and speed, thanks to the Instant Pot. The process begins by sautéing the foundational aromatics. I start by heating a touch of olive oil directly in the Instant Pot’s sauté function (or in a separate pan if preferred) and then add the finely chopped onions, cooking them until they become beautifully fragrant and translucent. Next, the minced garlic is introduced, sautéed for just another minute until its irresistible aroma fills the kitchen. This initial sauté step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor base for our soup.

Once the aromatics are perfectly softened and fragrant, I turn off the sauté function and stir in the flavor boosters: a dash of low-sodium tamari (or soy sauce for those not avoiding gluten), a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle warmth, and, of course, a few drops of our secret ingredient – liquid smoke. These additions immediately infuse the mixture with layers of savory, umami, and smoky notes that will permeate the entire soup.

With the flavor base established, it’s time to add the rest of the ingredients directly into my Instant Pot. This includes the finely chopped celery and carrots, the dried split peas (no need for pre-soaking with the Instant Pot!), and fragrant dried thyme. A generous pinch of salt and the low-sodium vegetable broth complete the assembly. A quick stir ensures everything is well combined and submerged, and then the Instant Pot is ready to work its magic.

I then secure the lid, ensure the steam release valve is set to the sealing position, and set the Instant Pot to the “Pressure Cook” (or “Manual”) function for 20 minutes. The beauty of pressure cooking is how it tenderizes the split peas and melds all the flavors in a fraction of the time compared to traditional stovetop methods. Once the cooking cycle is complete, it’s vital to allow the soup to rest for a natural pressure release for at least 30 minutes. This natural release process not only makes the soup safer to open but also allows the flavors to deepen further and the peas to fully absorb the liquid, resulting in an incredibly creamy texture. After the natural release, you can carefully turn the steam release valve to vent any remaining pressure.

Finally, a crucial step: taste and adjust. Depending on your preference and the saltiness of your broth, you might want to add an extra pinch of salt and a few grinds of freshly cracked black pepper. Give it a good stir, and your ultimate Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup is ready to be savored! I absolutely love to serve this hearty soup with some crusty toasted bread for dipping, or crunchy crackers, which add a delightful textural contrast.

The Wholesome Core: Essential Ingredients for Vegan Split Pea Soup

This incredibly cozy and satisfying soup comes together with a simple yet powerful combination of only about 10 plant-based ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its deep flavor profile and comforting texture. Here’s a closer look at what makes this soup so special:

• Aromatic Base: Onions, Celery, and Carrots (Mirepoix) – This classic trio forms the foundational flavor base for many soups and stews. Sautéing them slowly releases their natural sweetness and savory notes, building a rich and complex character for the broth.
• Generous Garlic – My friend, who originally shared a version of this soup recipe with me, always insisted on using a generous amount of garlic. After extensive recipe testing, I can confidently confirm: plenty of garlic is absolutely key! But don’t worry about an overpowering raw garlic flavor. Something truly magical happens to the garlic as it simmers and pressure cooks within the soup. It transforms, mellowing out and becoming wonderfully sweet and caramelized – think roasted garlic versus raw. This transformation is what creates an incredibly rich, nuanced, and flavorful broth that elevates the entire soup.
• Split Peas – The undeniable star of the show! These small, dried legumes break down beautifully during the pressure cooking process, contributing to the soup’s incredible thickness and creamy texture. They are also a fantastic source of plant protein and fiber.
• Tamari (or Soy Sauce) – This ingredient adds a crucial depth of umami flavor, enhancing the savory notes of the soup. If you’re sensitive to gluten, opt for low-sodium tamari. If not, low-sodium soy sauce works perfectly. Choosing a low-sodium option for either is always recommended for better control over the soup’s saltiness.
• Dried Thyme – A classic herb that pairs perfectly with split peas and vegetables. It imparts an earthy, slightly floral, and subtly peppery note that is essential to the traditional split pea soup flavor.
• Liquid Smoke – *THE* secret ingredient! This is absolutely essential for recreating that signature smoky flavor that traditionally comes from a ham hock, without using any animal products. It’s truly a game-changer for veganizing savory dishes. As mentioned earlier, you can typically find it in the condiment aisle of your grocery store, often near the BBQ sauces, or order it online here for an incredibly affordable price. A little goes a long way!
• Red Pepper Flakes – While this recipe isn’t designed to be spicy, a small amount of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of subtle warmth and a gentle kick at the end, awakening the palate without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Low-Sodium Veggie Broth – The liquid base for our soup. Again, opting for a low-sodium vegetable broth is paramount. It allows you to control the overall saltiness of the soup to your exact preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced final product.
• Olive Oil – Used for sautéing the aromatics and adding a foundational richness that complements the other ingredients and helps to carry the flavors.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the best in all the ingredients. Always taste and adjust to your liking.

This Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup is truly remarkable in its heartiness and deliciousness. I particularly love how the natural sweetness from the sautéed onions and carrots beautifully balances the savory notes, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The split peas, as they break down during pressure cooking, become incredibly rich and creamy, transforming the soup into a velvety dream. But the absolute best part, in my humble opinion, is the ingenious way the liquid smoke infuses just the right touch of savory smokiness into the background, achieving that classic split pea soup essence without the need for a ham hock. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little creativity and understanding of flavors, anything can be made vegan, even recipes that are traditionally reliant on animal products!

Common Questions & Expert Tips for Your Vegan Split Pea Soup

To help you perfect your Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup and answer any lingering questions, here are some frequently asked questions and helpful tips:

Q: Can I use smoked paprika instead of liquid smoke?
A: Yes, smoked paprika can definitely work as a substitute to introduce a smoky element to the soup. However, it’s important to note that it won’t yield exactly the same intense, deep smoky flavor as liquid smoke. Smoked paprika offers a more mellow, earthy smokiness. If you opt for smoked paprika, I recommend starting with about 1/4 teaspoon and then adding more to taste. But if you have the option, I wholeheartedly recommend using liquid smoke – it’s truly a game-changer for replicating that authentic ham-like smokiness!

Q: Can I prepare this soup on the stovetop instead of in an Instant Pot?
A: While possible, preparing split pea soup on the stovetop is a much more time-consuming process. It typically involves soaking the split peas overnight (which is not necessary for the Instant Pot method) and then simmering them for a significantly longer duration. According to many traditional recipes, a stovetop version could take 3 hours or more of active cooking and simmering. The Instant Pot drastically cuts down this cooking time, making it a much more convenient option for busy schedules.

Q: Where can I find a good Instant Pot?
A: My Instant Pot was actually a wonderful gift from my friend Laura (it truly makes a fantastic gift idea!). I use mine all the time for a variety of meals. You can browse and shop for various models here to find one that fits your needs.

Q: What size Instant Pot should I use for this recipe?
A: This recipe calls for a total of 6 cups of vegetable broth, in addition to all the other solid ingredients. To ensure proper sealing and pressurization, and to avoid exceeding the maximum fill line, you’ll need the larger 8-quart size Instant Pot for the full recipe. If you have a smaller 6-quart Instant Pot, I recommend halving the recipe to ensure it fits comfortably and cooks correctly.

Q: How should I store and reheat leftover vegan split pea soup?
A: This soup is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. When reheating, you’ll notice the soup will have thickened considerably, as the split peas continue to absorb liquid overnight. Simply add more vegetable broth or a splash of water to thin it back out to your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. This soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to add other root vegetables like parsnips, turnips, or even potatoes for extra heartiness. Leafy greens like spinach or kale can also be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking, or just before serving, for an added nutritional boost.

Explore More Hearty Vegan Soups

If you loved the comforting flavors and ease of this Instant Pot Vegan Split Pea Soup, you’re in for a treat with my other plant-based creations. I’m sure you’ll also adore my incredibly satisfying Rustic Pasta e Fagioli, a robust Italian classic made vegan. And for something uniquely flavorful with a touch of exotic spice, don’t miss my delightful Vegan Pumpkin Samosa Soup. Each recipe is designed to bring warmth, nourishment, and incredible taste to your table, proving that vegan cooking is anything but boring!

Your feedback means the world to me! If you try this recipe and love it, please take a moment to leave a comment and rate this post below. Sharing your experience helps other home cooks discover and enjoy these plant-based delights. And if you share your culinary creation on Facebook or Instagram, be sure to tag me @nikkivegan and use the hashtag #NikkiVegan so I can see your wonderful recreation! ❤️ You can also discover more free vegan recipes, cooking tips, and plant-based inspiration on my YouTube channel right here. Happy cooking!