This delicious, vegan split pea soup with carrots and potatoes is the definition of comfort food and can be made quickly in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot.

If your days are as busy and rushed as mine have been lately, perhaps you won’t mind if I give barely any introduction to one of my favorite split pea soup recipes.

In a way, this is a soup that needs no introduction: it’s your basic, all-purpose, down-to-earth split-pea soup. This is the one I whip up when I’m serving curry-haters (yes, they do exist!) or am just in the mood for a milder soup that gets its flavor from caramelized onions and vegetables, rather than spices.

It’s true comfort food–quick comfort food if you use the pressure cooker. In about half an hour, you can go from wondering what’s for dinner to sitting down to eat. And in these busy days, who can resist that?

Try it with a thick slice of my Fat-Free Whole Wheat Bread for Bread Machines and a green salad.

Print Pin 4.89 from 9 votes Add to Recipe BoxGo to Recipe Box Thick and Hearty Split Pea Soup Prep Time 15 minutes Cook Time 30 minutes Total Time 45 minutes Servings 8 servings Author Susan Voisin Ingredients 2 medium onions chopped 2 medium onions chopped

2 cloves garlic minced 2 cloves garlic minced

3 carrots diced 3 carrots diced

3 ribs celery chopped 3 ribs celery chopped

2 cups dried split peas checked carefully for debris and rinsed 2 cups dried split peas checked carefully for debris and rinsed

6-8 cups water 6-8 cups water

2 medium potatoes coarsely chopped 2 medium potatoes coarsely chopped

1 large bay leaf 1 large bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon celery seed 1/2 teaspoon celery seed

1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme

1-2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke or smoked salt to taste 1-2 teaspoons Liquid Smoke or smoked salt to taste

2 teaspoons salt or to taste 2 teaspoons salt or to taste

freshly ground black pepper to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste Instructions Heat a pressure cooker or Dutch oven over high heat. Add the onions and saute for about 5 minutes, scraping the bottom of the pan often, until they begin to caramelize. (Add water by the tablespoon if necessary to prevent sticking.) Add the garlic, carrots, and celery and cook for 2 more minutes.

Add the peas to the pot. If you’re using a pressure cooker, add 6 cups of water; for regular cooking, add 8 cups water. Stir in the potatoes, bay leaf, celery seed, basil, and thyme.

For pressure cooking: Seal the cooker and bring to high pressure. Lower heat and cook at high pressure for 6 minutes (8 minutes for electric pressure cooker). Remove from heat and allow the pressure to come down naturally. If beans are not completely cooked, cover loosely and cook (without pressure) until they reach the desired tenderness.

For regular cooking: Bring to a boil, cover, and cook over very low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until peas are soft and disintegrate when stirred.

For both methods: Once the peas are tender, add the liquid smoke, salt, and pepper. Check the seasoning and add more herbs if necessary. Cook several minutes uncovered to thicken (or add water to thin). Serve with warm whole-grain bread.

Makes about 8 servings, and tastes even better the next day! Notes This soup is zero points on WW Purple or Freestyle plan. Nutrition Facts Thick and Hearty Split Pea Soup Amount Per Serving Calories 216 Calories from Fat 9 % Daily Value* Fat 1g 2% Sodium 565mg 25% Carbohydrates 41g 14% Fiber 15g 63% Protein 13g 26% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Tried this recipe? Post a photo to Instagram and tag @susanffvk

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