A Hearty Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe In The Instant Pot

Jess Miller

There’s nothing like a warm, wholesome bowl of soup to bring comfort and calm to a busy day.

This vegan split pea soup is simple to prepare, full of flavor, and made entirely from plant-based ingredients – no animal products, no fuss.

Using the Instant Pot makes it even easier: no soaking, no stovetop watching, just one pot and dinner’s ready.

This is the kind of recipe that feels like home. It’s warming without being heavy, rich in natural protein and fiber, and endlessly flexible.

It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend lunches, or prepping ahead for easy meals during the week.

Whether you’re feeding little ones, teens, or a houseful of hungry guests, this nourishing soup hits the spot.

Today, we’ll show you how to make it.

Contents hide

1 Why This Vegan Split Pea Soup Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

1.1 No soaking required

1.2 Budget-friendly and pantry-ready

1.3 Comforting and filling

1.4 Great for leftovers and meal prep

2 Ingredients for Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

2.1 Ingredient Notes

3 Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot

3.1 Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

3.2 Step 2: Add spices and split peas

3.3 Step 3: Pressure cook

3.4 Step 4: Stir and adjust

3.5 Step 5: Serve

4 Kitchen Tips for a Perfect Bowl Every Time

5 Storing and Freezing Vegan Split Pea Soup

6 Final Thoughts

7 A Hearty Vegan Split Pea Soup Recipe In The Instant Pot

7.1 Ingredients

7.2 Directions

Why This Vegan Split Pea Soup Belongs in Your Weekly Rotation

This recipe is a go-to for those looking to eat more plant-based meals without sacrificing comfort or flavor.

Here’s what makes it a staple:

No soaking required

Split peas cook beautifully in the Instant Pot, no pre-soaking needed. Just rinse and go.

Budget-friendly and pantry-ready

This soup uses inexpensive ingredients that are easy to keep on hand – perfect for families looking to cook more from the pantry.

Comforting and filling

Split peas provide natural creaminess and protein, so the soup feels hearty and satisfying without needing any dairy or meat.

Great for leftovers and meal prep

It keeps well in the fridge or freezer, and the flavor gets even better after a day or two.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Split Pea Soup

Before you get started, gather these whole-food, vegan ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral cooking oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 ½ cups dried green split peas, rinsed
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for serving)

Ingredient Notes

Split peas: Green split peas are traditional, but yellow split peas can also be used. Rinse them well to remove dust and starch.
Vegetable broth: Choose a broth with rich flavor, since it forms the base of the soup. A low-sodium variety lets you control the seasoning.
Lemon juice: This small touch at the end helps brighten the flavors, especially if the soup is made ahead of time.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Vegan Split Pea Soup in the Instant Pot

This process is designed to be as hands-off as possible. Once everything’s in the pot, it mostly takes care of itself.

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Turn the Instant Pot to the “Sauté” setting. Add the oil, then stir in the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add spices and split peas

Turn off “Sauté” mode. Add the thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, and bay leaf, stirring well to coat the veggies. Rinse the split peas thoroughly, then add them to the pot along with the vegetable broth and water.

Step 3: Pressure cook

Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” mode for 15 minutes. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully do a quick release.

Step 4: Stir and adjust

Remove the bay leaf and give the soup a good stir. If you’d like a creamier consistency, use an immersion blender to puree part of the soup directly in the pot. For a chunkier texture, leave it as is or mash gently with the back of a spoon. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Step 5: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you’d like. It’s perfect with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or all on its own.

Kitchen Tips for a Perfect Bowl Every Time

Split pea soup is incredibly forgiving, but these tips help ensure consistent results:

Rinsing your split peas helps prevent cloudiness and uneven cooking. Don’t skip this step.

After cooking, allow the soup to rest for a few minutes. This not only helps the flavors come together, but it also thickens the soup naturally.

If the soup thickens too much during storage or reheating, just stir in a splash of broth or warm water to loosen it up without affecting the flavor.

Storing and Freezing Vegan Split Pea Soup

Once the soup has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. It also freezes beautifully – just portion it into individual containers and store for up to three months.

To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir gently and add a bit of liquid if needed to restore the desired texture.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot vegan split pea soup is comfort food at its best – simple, nourishing, and incredibly satisfying.

It’s a great recipe to keep in your rotation, especially during the cooler months when something warm and homemade makes all the difference.Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this soup delivers flavor and heart in every spoonful.

And with the ease of the Instant Pot, it’s a meal you can make anytime, with almost no effort.