Spiced Split Pea and Vegetable Soup

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-13 · Updated 2026-05-13

A hearty and vibrant soup simmered with yellow split peas, carrots, and warm spices that evoke traditional Ethiopian flavors. This Ethiopian-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 60 minutes, pairs yellow split peas, rinsed, carrots, diced, yellow onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp berbere spice blend
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp berbere spice blend, and 1 tsp ground turmeric; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 2 medium diced carrots and 1 tbsp tomato paste, stirring to coat vegetables evenly. Cook for 2 minutes to deepen flavors.
3. Step 3: Pour in 6 cups vegetable broth and 1 cup rinsed yellow split peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 40-45 minutes until split peas are soft and soup thickens.
4. Step 4: Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for brightness.
5. Step 5: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro before serving warm.