This vegan pea soup recipe transforms humble peas into a creamy and flavorful delight, all thanks to your trusty crock pot. It’s a simple, hands-off method for a comforting meal any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Pea Soup
This vegan pea soup is:
- Effortless: Simply toss the ingredients in your crock pot, and let it work its magic.
- Flavorful: Aromatic vegetables, herbs, and vegetable broth create a deeply savory base.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples and affordable frozen peas.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Ingredients for Vegan Crock Pot Pea Soup
Olive oil and chopped vegetables in a pot- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Vegan Pea Soup in a Crock Pot
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients in the crock pot: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your crock pot. Add the vegetable broth, frozen peas, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the peas are very tender.
- Blend for creaminess: Use an immersion blender to blend the soup directly in the crock pot until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender to puree.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve warm: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Creamy vegan pea soup in a bowl
Tips for the Best Vegan Pea Soup
- For a richer flavor: Use homemade vegetable broth or add a bay leaf to the soup while it cooks. Remove the bay leaf before blending.
- Adjust the thickness: For a thicker soup, you can add 1/4 cup of cooked rice or lentils during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Don’t overcook the peas: While overcooking in the crock pot is unlikely, keep an eye on the soup towards the end of the cooking time to ensure the peas remain vibrant green and don’t turn mushy.
“Many people think vegan cooking is bland, but this pea soup is anything but! The secret is building layers of flavor – the sautéed vegetables and herbs really shine.”– Chef Amelia Green
Serving Suggestions
- Hearty meal: Serve with crusty bread for dipping or a side of vegan cornbread.
- Light lunch: Enjoy a smaller portion with a simple green salad.
- Make it ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQs about Vegan Pea Soup in a Crock Pot
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh peas! You’ll need about 2 cups of shelled fresh peas. Add them to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftover pea soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
How can I add more protein to this soup?
To boost the protein content, consider stirring in a can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
What other herbs can I use?
Fresh dill, chives, or a sprinkle of tarragon would also be delicious in this soup.
Can I make this soup without a blender?
Yes, you can mash the peas with a potato masher for a chunkier soup.
Close up of creamy vegan pea soup on a spoon
This easy vegan pea soup made in the crock pot is a simple, comforting meal you can enjoy any night of the week. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or cozy lunches.
