Easy Vegan Pea Soup Recipe: Creamy & Nutritious in 30 Minutes

Here's a complete vegan pea soup recipe: Combine 1 cup dried green peas (soaked overnight), 1 diced onion, 2 chopped carrots, 2 celery stalks, 3 garlic cloves, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 bay leaf, 1 tsp thyme, salt and pepper. Simmer 25-30 minutes until peas are tender. Blend until smooth. Serves 4. Ready in 35 minutes with 285 calories per serving.

Why This Vegan Pea Soup Recipe Works

Traditional pea soup often contains ham or bacon, but this plant-based version delivers the same comforting texture and rich flavor without animal products. Our recipe uses dried green peas instead of canned for superior texture and flavor absorption. The secret to creaminess? Blending the soup after cooking—no dairy needed. This easy vegan pea soup recipe has been perfected through multiple kitchen tests to ensure perfect consistency every time.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Vegan Pea Soup

Quality ingredients make the difference between good and great pea soup. Here's what you'll need:

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation Notes
Dried green peas	1 cup (200g)	Soak overnight for even cooking
Yellow onion	1 medium	Diced small for even flavor distribution
Carrots	2 medium	Chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
Celery stalks	2	Finely chopped
Garlic cloves	3	Minced
Vegetable broth	6 cups	Low-sodium preferred
Fresh thyme	1 tsp	Or 1/2 tsp dried
Bay leaf	1	Remove before blending
Olive oil	2 tbsp	For sautéing vegetables
Sea salt	To taste	Add after cooking
Black pepper	To taste	Freshly ground preferred

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Follow these simple steps for the best vegan pea soup experience:

Prepare the peas: Soak dried peas in cold water overnight. Drain and rinse before use.
Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 5-7 minutes until softened.
Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine ingredients: Add soaked peas, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot.
Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes until peas are tender.
Blend: Remove bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to puree soup until smooth (or carefully transfer to a countertop blender).
Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. For extra richness, stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

Pro Tips for the Best Vegan Pea Soup

These professional cooking techniques elevate your soup from good to exceptional:

Soaking matters: Never skip soaking dried peas—they cook more evenly and develop better texture.
Layer flavors: Sauté vegetables until golden for deeper flavor development.
Temperature control: Keep simmering gentle—boiling too vigorously can make peas grainy.
Blending technique: Blend in batches if using a countertop blender, leaving space for steam to escape.
Acidity balance: A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens flavors without making the soup taste citrusy.

Nutritional Benefits of Vegan Pea Soup

This hearty soup delivers impressive nutrition in every bowl. One serving (1.5 cups) provides:

285 calories
18g protein (excellent plant-based source)
15g dietary fiber (54% of daily value)
Rich in vitamins A, C, K, and B vitamins
High in iron, magnesium, and potassium
Naturally low in fat and sodium

The combination of protein and fiber creates lasting fullness, making this quick pea soup for beginners both satisfying and nutritious. Unlike many canned soups, our homemade version contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While delicious on its own, these serving ideas enhance your vegan pea soup experience:

Classic presentation: Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley
Crunchy topping: Add roasted pumpkin seeds or croutons made from sourdough bread
Smoky variation: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth without meat
Spring version: Add fresh mint and asparagus tips in the last 5 minutes of cooking
Creamy alternative: For extra richness without dairy, blend in 1/4 cup cooked potatoes

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This vegan pea soup recipe makes excellent leftovers. Follow these storage guidelines:

Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 5 days
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in refrigerator)
Reheating: Warm gently on stove over medium-low heat, adding splashes of broth if too thick
Reviving flavor: Stir in fresh herbs after reheating for bright flavor

The soup actually improves in flavor after 24 hours as the ingredients meld together—making it perfect for meal prep. This creamy vegan pea soup without dairy maintains its texture beautifully when stored properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned peas instead of dried for this vegan pea soup recipe?

Yes, but the texture and flavor will differ significantly. Use 3 cans (15oz each) of green peas, drained and rinsed. Reduce cooking time to 15 minutes since canned peas are already cooked. The soup won't be as creamy, so consider adding 1/4 cup cooked potatoes when blending for better texture.

How can I make this pea soup thicker without adding starch?

The natural starch in peas creates excellent thickness when properly blended. For a thicker consistency, simmer uncovered for 5-10 additional minutes to reduce liquid. Alternatively, reserve 1 cup of cooked peas before blending, then stir them back in after pureeing for added texture without changing the overall thickness.

Is this vegan pea soup recipe suitable for freezing?

Absolutely. This soup freezes exceptionally well. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove, adding vegetable broth if needed to restore consistency.

What's the best way to add protein to this vegan pea soup?

Peas already provide substantial plant-based protein (18g per serving), but you can boost it further by stirring in 1/2 cup cooked lentils before serving or topping with hemp seeds. For a heartier meal, serve with a side of whole grain bread or add cooked quinoa directly to the soup.

Why does my vegan pea soup turn brown during cooking?

This natural oxidation occurs when peas react with air. To maintain vibrant green color, add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar at the beginning of cooking. Avoid overcooking, and blend immediately after cooking. The color may darken slightly when stored, but flavor remains excellent.