Easy Curried Split Pea Soup (Vegan, Gluten Free)

I was feeling a bit under the weather and craving a big, comforting bowl of vegan split pea soup. However, my partner doesn’t care for classic split pea chowder, so to make both of us happy I created another fusion dish. English curry powder, cumin, and a shot of cayenne pepper makes this soup vaguely Indian-esque. Yet it still tastes like split pea soup, not  Indian dahl.

BONUS:  This soup is incredibly easy to make. It does take some time to cook (about an hour to an hour and a half), but you don’t need to baby sit the pot. Just give the soup a stir every now and then.

Curried Split Pea Soup Ingredients:

(Makes 4-6 large servings)

2 cups Green Split Peas, sorted and rinsed

2 Quarts Water

1 Medium Onion, finely chopped

3 Garlic Cloves, minced or pressed

1 1/2 teaspoons Sea Salt

2 1/2 – 3 teaspoons Yellow Curry Powder

1 teaspoon Cumin

1/4 teaspoon Ground Ginger

1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cayenne Pepper

1-2 small Red Potatoes, finely diced (optional)

Directions for Curried Split Pea Soup

In a large stockpot, combine all ingredients. Stir to mix.

Bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat slightly (you want this at more of a low boil, not a low simmer) and cover pot.

Cook, stirring occasionally.  After about 50 minutes the peas should be starting to fall apart and the soup should be getting creamier.  At this point you’ll want to stir more often. If the soup starts looking too thick, add more water – a half cup at a time.

Typically this soup should be ready between an hour and an hour and a half.  It could, however, take up to two hours, depending on various factors such as your stove (gas cooks hotter than some electrics) and the age of your peas (old split peas can take much longer to cook).  Don’t despair – just keep cooking and stirring.

Once soup is creamy, ladle into bowls and serve.

Notes:

Split pea soup continues to thicken as it stands, and leftovers in the fridge can turn almost solid! Simply add more water, a half cup at a time.

I often see split pea soup recipes that call for using a blender or immersion blender. This is unnecessary.  If your soup isn’t creamy, you haven’t cooked your peas long enough.

Be prepared for your house to smell super-yummy while this cooks.  Make this on a chilly or dark day, and you’ll be surprised how comforting the scent is.

Tagged as: curried split pea soup, easy vegan recipes, gluten free, split pea soup, vegan

Categorised in: Soup, Vegan Recipes