Split Pea and Carrot Soup
A velvety, nourishing soup featuring equal parts split peas and carrots simmered with aromatic herbs for a comforting meal. This american-inspired soups (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs dried green split peas, diced (1/2 inch) carrots, medium, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 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 dried green split peas
- 1 cup, diced (1/2 inch) carrots
- 1 medium, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (optional) lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 cup rinsed dried green split peas, 1 cup diced carrots, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes until peas are tender and carrots are soft.
- Step 5: Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth, or transfer to a blender in batches. Stir in 1 tablespoon lemon juice if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Split Pea and Carrot Soup take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (15 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Split Pea and Carrot Soup?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dried green split peas from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Split Pea and Carrot Soup?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Split Pea and Carrot Soup for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Split Pea and Carrot Soup vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
So easy to make and packed with flavor! I'll be making this again this week.
- ★★★★★
The split peas cooked to a perfect creamy texture and the carrots gave it a nice color. A new favorite for cold days.
- ★★★★★
This soup was incredibly comforting and the carrots added a perfect sweetness. Made it for my family and they loved it!
