Go Back

Mediterranean Split Pea Soup

Try this hearty split pea soup with Mediterranean flavors from sun dried tomatoes, lots of herbs, and fresh lemon juice. Instant Pot and stovetop options!
PRINT
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 celery chopped
  • 1 tomato chopped
  • ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes*1 chopped
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 1½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper or ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1½ cups dried split peas* rinsed
  • 5-6 cups vegetable broth2
  • 2 tsp mustard
  • ¼ cup parsley chopped
  • ½ lemon juiced

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the onions start to brown, about 10 minutes.
    For an Instant Pot, use the "saute" function.
  • Add garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook and stir occasionally for 5 minutes.
  • Add fresh and sun dried tomatoes. Stir to distrubute.
  • Add spices: nutritional yeast, thyme, oregano, paprika, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir for 30-60 seconds to toast the spices.
  • Add split peas, 6 cups vegetable broth, and mustard. Simmer until split peas are tender, 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed.
    For an Instant Pot, use 5 cups of vegetable broth. Cancel the "saute" function. Seal the lid on the pot and cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
  • Remember to remove the bay leaf before blending or serving!
  • Optional: For a thicker soup, you can blend half the soup with an immersion blender or in a stand blender.
  • Remove the pot from heat and stir in parsley and lemon juice. Taste and add more salt or pepper as desired.

Notes

Recipe inspired by Feasting at Home.
1) I use dry-packed sun dried tomatoes, but oil-packed should work too.
2) Start with 5 cups if cooking in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, 6 cups if cooking in a pot on the stove. More liquid evaporates on the stovetop whereas it's more contained in an Instant Pot/pressure cooker.